How to Become an Electrician in Michigan

Complete requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook for electricians in Michigan

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $64,280/year
Job Outlook: 7% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 12 hours/triennial (3 years)

✓ Information verified from official sources (Last updated: 2025-01-27)

⚠️ Important Note for Michigan

Michigan has statewide licensing administered through LARA

Electrician License Requirements in Michigan

Licensing Authority

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)

Phone: (517) 241-9320

Website: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/electrical

Official Source: https://www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc/electrical

License Types & Requirements

Apprentice Electrician

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $25
  • Requirements: Must register and work under licensed electrician

Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - Prometric
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience (4 years), pass journeyman exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 12,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - Prometric
  • Application Fee: $100
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours as journeyman (2 years), pass master exam

Electrical Contractor

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $250
  • Requirements: Must employ licensed master electrician, obtain insurance

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Michigan

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on math (especially algebra and trigonometry), physics, and shop classes if available.

Step 2: Enter an Apprenticeship Program

Apply to an apprenticeship program through a union (IBEW) or independent electrical contractor. In Michigan, you'll typically need 8000 hours of on-the-job training.

Step 3: Complete Required Hours

Work under supervision while logging your hours. Most apprenticeships in Michigan take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the Prometric journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Michigan

Entry Level: $44,420/year
Median Salary: $64,280/year
Experienced: $84,360/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Michigan has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Ohio
  • Wisconsin
  • Indiana

This means if you're licensed in one of these states, you may be able to obtain a Michigan license with reduced requirements.

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Michigan

  • Detroit
  • Grand Rapids
  • Warren
  • Sterling Heights
  • Ann Arbor

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Michigan, you must complete 12 hours of continuing education every triennial (3 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Michigan

Contact the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for application details and approved training programs.

Visit Licensing Board

Recommended Resources

📘
NFPA 70: NEC 2026 Required for most exams
📗
Ugly's Electrical References Quick reference guide
🔧
Klein Tools Apprentice Tool Set Essential hand tools

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