Michigan Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Michigan.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Michigan
Average Cost of Trade School in Michigan
Most trade programs in Michigan are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Michigan, a strong manufacturing base can support steady demand for industrial maintenance, welding, and skilled mechanical roles.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $3,735 higher than in-state on average.
| Michigan Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $4,488 |
|---|---|
| Michigan Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $8,223 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Michigan
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Michigan Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Michigan trade training typically ranges from 6–24 months for school-based entry roles, while many apprenticeships run 3–5 years with paid on-the-job learning and defined milestones.
- Licensing and certification requirements vary by trade and scope. Some regulated work is governed by state rules, and local permits/inspections are common—confirm requirements for your specific trade and location.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Michigan
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Michigan. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| 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.
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.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Michigan students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
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.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Michigan
Michigan has a strong union tradition, particularly in manufacturing, utilities, and large commercial or public works projects. Non-union contractors are also common in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial work.
Union Apprenticeships in Michigan
Union apprenticeship programs are widely used for industrial, manufacturing, and infrastructure-focused trade careers.
- IBEW Local 58 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the Detroit metro area.
- IBEW Local 252 — Electrical training covering Ann Arbor and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 333 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Detroit.
- SMART Local 80 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships serving Southeast Michigan.
- Millwrights Local 1102 — Industrial millwright training tied to manufacturing and plant maintenance.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union trade routes remain common throughout Michigan, especially in residential construction, service HVAC, electrical contracting, and smaller manufacturing operations. Many employers offer direct hire roles with on-the-job training and advancement opportunities.
Both union and non-union paths can support long-term careers in Michigan. Union apprenticeships often lead to higher wages and industrial project access, while non-union routes offer flexibility and faster entry into service-based work.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom and jobsite instruction | Employer-based, hands-on training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales with scheduled increases | Pay growth based on experience or employer policy |
| Benefits | Health insurance and pension plans commonly included | Benefits vary by employer |
| Project Types | Manufacturing plants, utilities, infrastructure | Residential, service, small commercial projects |
| Best Fit For | Workers targeting industrial and high-wage projects | Workers seeking flexibility and quicker workforce entry |