Career guide · All careers
How to become an electrician in Michigan
To become an electrician in Michigan, you register as an electrical apprentice, work 8,000 hours over at least 4 years under a licensed electrician while taking classes, then pass the state journeyman exam at age 20 or older. Union apprenticeships pay you the whole time and the training is free. Michigan electricians earn a median of $36.67 an hour, with about 2,450 openings a year.
Last checked: October 2026. Pay is the Michigan median from the federal government (May 2025).
Quick facts: electrician in Michigan
| Median pay | $36.67 an hour ($76,270 a year) |
|---|---|
| Typical range | $24 to $44 an hour |
| Openings | About 2,450 a year, growing 5.6% through 2034 |
| Training | 4 to 5 years of paid apprenticeship |
| License | Journeyman: age 20, 8,000 hours and 4 years as a registered apprentice, state exam (75% to pass). Master: age 22 and 12,000 hours over 6 years. |
Sources: BLS, Michigan wages (May 2025) · Michigan Hot 50 (MCDA) · MCDA projections 2024 to 2034 · LARA, electrical licensing
Ways to get trained, cheap or free
In high school
Take electrical or construction trades at your county career tech center. Some union programs give CTE grads a head start. CTE guide
Union apprenticeship
IBEW and NECA run free training centers. You earn while you learn, starting around 45% of journeyman pay and rising to 80% (West Michigan example). Detroit, IBEW 58 · West Michigan, IBEW 275 · Lansing, IBEW 665 · Ann Arbor, IBEW 252 · Kalamazoo, IBEW 131 · U.P., IBEW 906. Flint and Saginaw, IBEW 948 and 557 (2027 applications due Jan. 31, 2027).
Non-union employers
Many contractors register their own apprentices. Ask Michigan Works! about on-the-job training openings.
Short training for this job may qualify for Workforce Pell once Michigan approves specific programs, so ask the provider.
Not sure this is the one?
Common questions
How long does it take to become an electrician in Michigan?
At least 4 years. A journeyman license needs 8,000 hours and 4 years as a registered apprentice, plus passing the state exam at age 20 or older.
Source: LARA
How much do electricians make in Michigan?
The median is $36.67 an hour, about $76,270 a year. Most earn between $24 and $44 an hour.
Source: BLS, May 2025