Career guides
How to get into a good-paying job in Michigan
Each guide gives Michigan pay, how many openings there are each year, what license you need and the cheapest or free ways to train, including paid apprenticeships. Pay is the Michigan median from the federal government. Half of workers earn more and half earn less.
Last checked: October 2026.
| Career | Median pay | Openings | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $36.67 an hour | About 2,450 a year | 4 to 5 year paid apprenticeship |
| Plumber | $38.56 an hour | About 1,145 a year | 3 to 5 year paid apprenticeship |
| HVAC technician | $29.26 an hour | About 1,360 a year | 1 year certificate or 5 year apprenticeship |
| Certified nurse aide (CNA) | $19.03 an hour | About 6,190 a year | 75 hours, a few weeks |
| Welder | $24.03 an hour | About 1,320 a year | Under a year, or a 4 year apprenticeship |
| Lineworker | $51.39 an hour | About 295 a year | 1 year program, then 3 to 4 years |
| Truck driver (CDL) | $27.49 an hour | About 6,650 a year | About 3 weeks |
Sources: BLS, Michigan wages (May 2025) ยท Michigan Hot 50 (MCDA)
More trades and every union training center are on the trades page.