Trade Careers in Michigan
Quick answer: In Michigan, electrical power line workers earn a median of $106,890 and elevator mechanics $99,140, with plumbers at $80,190 and electricians at $76,270 (BLS, May 2025). Most trades are entered through a registered apprenticeship or a trade-school program, and licensing is handled by the state agencies listed below.
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 | Workforce programs support training and apprenticeships |
“Skilled trades are a critical part of Michigan’s economic engine.” Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity1
Compare Skilled Trades in Michigan
| Trade | Median Salary | Training Time | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $61,680 | 6 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Construction Worker | $49,590 | 3–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) |
| Flooring Installer | $46,800 | 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Plumber | $80,190 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| Welder | $49,990 | 6–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (AWS certification preferred) |
| Construction Manager | $103,230 | 2–4 years (degree or field experience) | Varies (contractor license in many states) |
| Home Inspector | $71,040 | 2–6 months (state-approved course) | Yes in many states (state license) |
| Mold Inspector | N/A | 3–12 months (coursework + field hours) | Varies (state license or industry certification) |
| Electrician | $76,270 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| HVAC Technician | $60,850 | 6 months – 2 years (certificate or associate) | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) |
| Lineworker | $106,890 | 3–4 years (joint apprenticeship) | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) |
| Solar Installer | $47,080 | 3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) |
| Tower Technician | $64,130 | 3–9 months (tower climbing school + field training) | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $62,800 | 1–2 years (associate or technical diploma) | Yes (industry safety certifications) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $74,900 | 18–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) | Yes (FAA A&P license) |
| Auto Mechanic | $54,120 | 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| Automotive Technician | $54,120 | 9–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| CNC Machinist | $52,360 | 9–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) |
| Diesel Technician | $61,420 | 1–2 years (associate or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) |
| Gunsmith | $66,360 | 6–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $62,690 | 6–12 months (trade school or union program) | Optional (CDL required for many roles) |
| Maintenance Technician | $47,580 | 6–12 months (trade school or on-the-job) | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $57,180 | 3–6 months (CDL program) | Yes (CDL Class A or B) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $39,570 | 4–12 weeks (state-approved program) | Yes (state CNA exam) |
| Patient Care Technician | $39,570 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $48,520 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) |
| Home Health Aide | $35,000 | 3–6 months (training + competency exam) | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) |
| Medical Assistant | $39,870 | 9–12 months (certificate or diploma) | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) |
| Mental Health Technician | $43,140 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical experience) | Varies (state registration + employer training) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $65,460 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $65,460 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Dental Assistant | $48,820 | 9–18 months (diploma or associate program) | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) |
| EKG Technician | $80,650 | 3–9 months (certificate program) | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $44,340 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $39,860 | 4–6 months (certificate + clinical practice) | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $76,420 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $82,490 | 18–24 months (accredited associate or certificate) | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $45,670 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) |
| Surgical Technologist | $63,320 | 12–24 months (accredited surgical tech program) | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) |
| Optician | $41,180 | 9–24 months (apprenticeship or associate) | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $48,120 | 9–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $41,100 | 9–18 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $63,260 | 2 years (accredited associate degree) | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $29,350 | 3–12 months (certificate or employer training) | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) |
| Massage Therapist | $70,960 | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state license) |
| Personal Trainer | $45,520 | 3–6 months (exam prep + practicum) | Yes (national certification required by many employers) |
| Dog Trainer | $30,820 | 6–12 months (mentorship or certificate) | Optional (industry certifications preferred) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $37,960 | 6–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) |
| Veterinary Technician | $49,710 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (VTNE and state license) |
| Beauty Professional | $34,820 | 9–15 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Cosmetologist | $34,820 | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Esthetician | $45,240 | 4–9 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state esthetics license) |
| Culinary Chef | $39,210 | 1–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) |
| Pastry Chef | $39,210 | 9–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) |
| Bookkeeper | $48,980 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) |
| Digital Court Reporter | $61,600 | 6–12 months (certificate program) | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) |
| Paralegal | $62,170 | 12–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Michigan).
Michigan Apprenticeships and 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!2
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.
Why Attend Trade School in Michigan?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| 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 outcomes data | 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
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Plumber | 4.5% |
| Carpenter | 4.5% |
| Welder | 2.2% |
| Construction Worker | 7.3% |
| Flooring Installer | 9.5% |
Construction Management & Inspection
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | 8.7% |
| Home Inspector | -0.8% |
Electrical & Energy Systems
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Lineworker | 6.6% |
| Electrician | 9.5% |
| Tower Technician | 8.6% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | 49.9% |
| HVAC Technician | 8.1% |
| Solar Installer | 42.1% |
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | 4.0% |
| Gunsmith | 2.0% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 3.6% |
| Diesel Technician | 2.4% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | 4.0% |
| Auto Mechanic | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | 4.2% |
| CNC Machinist | 0.0% |
| Maintenance Technician | 3.8% |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | 2.6% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | 5.2% |
| Mental Health Technician | 20.0% |
| Medical Assistant | 12.5% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 2.3% |
| Patient Care Technician | 2.3% |
| Home Health Aide | 17.0% |
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | 13.0% |
| EKG Technician | 3.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | 4.3% |
| Surgical Technologist | 4.5% |
| Dental Assistant | 6.4% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 10.0% |
| Pharmacy Technician | 6.4% |
| Optician | 2.9% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 5.6% |
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | 7.1% |
| Medical Office Administrator | 4.2% |
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Massage Therapist | 15.4% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 19.2% |
| Personal Trainer | 11.9% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2.8% |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | 9.1% |
| Veterinary Assistant | 8.7% |
| Dog Trainer | 5.1% |
Beauty & Personal Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Esthetician | 6.7% |
| Beauty Professional | 5.6% |
| Cosmetologist | 5.6% |
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | 7.1% |
| Pastry Chef | 7.1% |
Business & Legal Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Paralegal | 0.2% |
| Digital Court Reporter | -0.3% |
| Bookkeeper | -5.8% |
Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.
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
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity: https://www.michigan.gov/leo ↩︎
Michigan Works! Apprenticeship Resources: https://www.michiganworks.org ↩︎