Michigan Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Michigan Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Michigan
Michigan’s trade market is anchored by long-standing manufacturing plants, automotive supply chains, and utility infrastructure. Industrial maintenance, machining, and electrical roles tied to legacy facilities often offer steadier employment than purely residential construction.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Michigan (from this table): Lineworker ($77,729)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $51,522 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $32,780 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Michigan.
- Most stable demand in Michigan: plant-floor maintenance, machining support, and electrical/mechanical troubleshooting.
- Best way to increase earnings: build hands-on systems knowledge—workers who keep machines running see steady advancement.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($77,729) · CDL Truck Driver ($65,312) · AV Technician ($60,590)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Michigan
Demand is shaped most by automotive manufacturing, supplier networks, and infrastructure that supports heavy industry, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Michigan trade income is often strongest in roles connected to manufacturing continuity rather than short-term construction demand.
- Outlook: Stable (manufacturing continuity)
- What drives demand: automotive manufacturing, supplier networks, and infrastructure that supports heavy industry.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Michigan
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Michigan. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $23.40 | $936 | $4,057 | $48,691 |
| AV Technician | $29.13 | $1,165 | $5,049 | $60,590 |
| Carpenter | $22.84 | $913 | $3,959 | $47,507 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $31.40 | $1,256 | $5,443 | $65,312 |
| CNC Machinist | $21.61 | $864 | $3,746 | $44,949 |
| Construction | $22.93 | $918 | $3,981 | $47,774 |
| Concrete Finisher | $25.13 | $1,005 | $4,356 | $52,270 |
| Diesel Technician | $26.14 | $1,046 | $4,531 | $54,371 |
| Electrician | $27.73 | $1,109 | $4,807 | $57,678 |
| Heavy Equipment | $22.67 | $870 | $3,769 | $45,227 |
| HVAC Technician | $25.38 | $1,014 | $4,392 | $52,707 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $25.08 | $1,019 | $4,416 | $52,988 |
| Ironworker | $23.78 | $951 | $4,123 | $49,471 |
| Lineworker | $37.37 | $1,495 | $6,477 | $77,729 |
| Marine Mechanic | $25.98 | $1,039 | $4,502 | $53,966 |
| Mason | $24.41 | $976 | $4,231 | $50,773 |
| Plumber | $29.49 | $1,132 | $4,903 | $58,834 |
| Roofer | $22.26 | $890 | $3,858 | $46,301 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $23.54 | $883 | $3,824 | $45,891 |
| Welder | $22.40 | $873 | $3,785 | $45,416 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Michigan Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Michigan’s trade economy is deeply tied to manufacturing, automotive production, utilities, infrastructure upgrades, and commercial construction. Ongoing investment in auto plants, battery manufacturing, road and bridge repair, and energy systems creates sustained demand for electricians, millwrights, welders, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and industrial maintenance trades.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Detroit metro area: Automotive manufacturing, plant modernization, commercial construction, and utilities.
- Grand Rapids: Manufacturing, healthcare construction, and regional infrastructure projects.
- Lansing: State government facilities, utilities, and public works.
- Flint / Saginaw / Bay City: Industrial maintenance, fabrication, and regional manufacturing support.
Major Employers and Contractors in Michigan
Tradespeople in Michigan commonly work with employers tied to automotive manufacturing, utilities, and large construction projects, including:
- General Motors — Manufacturing plants and facilities supporting electricians, millwrights, and maintenance trades.
- Ford Motor Company — Ongoing plant upgrades and electric vehicle production facilities.
- DTE Energy — Utility infrastructure, power generation, and electrical maintenance work.
Ready to start a trade career in Michigan?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Michigan.
Michigan Trade Schools & Apprenticeships