If you’ve spent the last couple of decades in a different industry and you are considering a career in the trades, you are looking for two things: stability and a wage that reflects your effort. And that applies to younger people still in high school, looking for possible careers. In the Great Lakes State, the path to a new career involves more than just showing up and starting to wire. You need a strategy. Finding the right electrical courses MI is the first step toward a job that provides a safety net against inflation and the shifting economy.
And take into consideration that the demand for power in Michigan is changing. With massive infrastructure projects in Detroit and industrial growth in other areas, the state needs good electricians who are trained and respected.
Electrician Salary MI
Before you invest your time in an electrician course in Michigan, you probably want to know if the math of your salary adds up. While many industries face layoffs because of automation, the electrical trade will always be a necessity.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pay for electricians is good, and Michigan ranks well for competitive wages.
- Apprentices: You start with a smaller wage that covers the bills while you learn.
- Journeymen: Once you pass your state exam, an electrician’s salary in MI is between $65,000 and $88,000.
- Master Electricians: Those who continue their education and then get a Master’s license or start their own contracting firm see earnings exceed $100,000 per year.
If you are wondering how the electrical field stacks up against mechanical work, check out our article, HVAC vs. Electrician: Choosing the Right Career Path for Beginners.
Where to Get Quality Electrical Training in MI
When you look for a beginner electrician MI program, beginners need to make the difference between a simple certificate and a program that counts toward state licensure. Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is quite strict about the 576 hours of classroom instruction required for the Journeyman exam.
1. Lansing Community College (LCC)
LCC is a very big name for vocational education. Their Electrical Technology program is designed for the working man. They offer night classes and weekend modules, which is a plus if you cannot afford to quit your current job immediately.
Their classes focus on residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
2. Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC)
On the west side, you can choose GRCC’s Construction Electrician job training program. This is an intensive, 18-week course. It is a solid choice for those who prefer a fast-paced environment and want to get out into the field before the winter snow hits.
3. Delta College
For those near the Tri-Cities, Delta College has a very respected electrical training program. They focus on the National Electrical Code (NEC), which is the law of the land for any electrician.
The Apprenticeship Process
The 8,000-Hour Requirement
To sit for your Journeyman exam, you must document 8,000 hours of practical experience. That is four years of full-time work. It sounds like a long time, but for someonewith a family or mortgage, the earn-while-you-learn model is far superior to taking on massive student debt at a university.
You must register your apprenticeship with Michigan LARA within 30 days of employment. Do not let a contractor forget to file your paperwork, or those hours won’t count toward your license.
Union vs. Open Shop: Which Path is Better?
- The Union (IBEW): The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers offers the JATC apprenticeship. They pay for your school, and they also offer pension plans. However, the application process is competitive and sometimes takes a year or more.
- Open Shop (ABC Michigan): Organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors allow you to work for non-union firms. This can be faster, and it provides a wider variety of experiences early on.
In the union, raises are usually tied to how many hours you’ve put in. In an open shop, if you show up early and work harder, you can negotiate your pay directly with the owner.
Final Thoughts
There is no wrong choice, only the choice that fits your current life stage. If you are 22 and can afford to wait more years and take on a longer, more complex path, the IBEW is a very good career move. If you are over 40, switching careers, and need to replace an income immediately, the more practical way to start would be to find a contractor affiliated with ABC. With the right training, you can build skills that keep the lights on for your community and your family.
