Trade Careers in Michigan
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Michigan's skilled trades are powering the state's economic recovery. From Detroit to Grand Rapids to the Upper Peninsula, tradespeople are rebuilding infrastructure, supporting clean energy, and keeping manufacturing strong.
Whether you're a student, career changer, or military veteran, here's how to launch a trade career in Michigan that offers stability, pride, and good pay.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Michigan
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing Legacy | Michigan's auto industry fuels skilled labor demand |
| Construction Boom | Major infrastructure and housing projects underway statewide |
| Renewable Energy | Wind, solar, and energy retrofitting creating new trade jobs |
| State Support | Michigan Reconnect and Going PRO Talent Fund help pay for training |
“Skilled trades are a critical part of Michigan's economic engine.” - Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Michigan
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,480 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $54,290 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $61,120 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $47,560 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $50,670 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $49,980 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $53,400 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Michigan Apprenticeships & Schools
Michigan offers union and state-registered apprenticeships, technical training programs, and skilled trades academies through community colleges.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid training with industry-recognized credentials |
| Community College | 6-24 months | Career-technical degrees and certificate programs |
| Skilled Trades Academies | Varies | Offered by unions, employers, and public partnerships |
“Michigan apprenticeships open the door to high-paying, high-demand careers.” - Michigan Works!3
🏫 Trade Schools in Michigan
With dozens of community colleges and private trade schools, Michigan is a leader in career-ready training for trades like HVAC, plumbing, and welding.
🎓 Tip: Eligible adults can attend many Michigan community colleges tuition-free through the Michigan Reconnect program.
Why Attend Trade School in Michigan?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Low-Cost Education | Many programs qualify for Reconnect, Pell, or GI Bill |
| Fast Turnaround | Training in as little as 6 months |
| Employer Connections | Schools partner with local unions and companies |
| Hands-On Facilities | Labs, simulators, and real-world practice |
| High Placement Rates | Career services support job offers before graduation |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Michigan Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) |
| Plumber | LARA - Plumbing Division |
| HVAC Technician | Licensed under Mechanical Contractor Act (via LARA) |
| Solar Installer | No license required unless performing electrical work |
| Mold Inspector | No state license required; private certifications recommended |
📈 Michigan Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,480 | 7% |
| HVAC Technician | $54,290 | 8% |
| Plumber | $61,120 | 6% |
| Welder | $47,560 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $50,670 | 15% |
| Carpenter | $49,980 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $53,400 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Michigan?
Pick your trade. Find your path. Michigan's economy needs skilled workers now more than ever-and you can be part of the solution.
📚 Citations
-
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity - https://www.michigan.gov/leo ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (MI): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Resources: https://www.michiganworks.org ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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