Michigan Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

Getting your Michigan electrical license is a major step in a rewarding career as an electrician. Every home, business, and industrial site depends on electricity. Plus, you can get your electrical contractor license and run your own business.

Job growth for electrical professionals across the U.S. is robust; the U.S. Department of Labor estimates that national electrician job growth will increase at a rate of about 11% over the next decade. Michigan’s electrician job growth is also strong; while not projected to grow as fast as the rest of the country, it’s still expected to increase at a respectable 5% over the next ten years.

Our guide explains how to get your Michigan electrician license. It includes helpful links to state licensing departments, job search tips, and information about salary and benefits for Michigan electricians.

Does Michigan require an electrical license?

Yes, Michigan requires an electrical license to perform all professional wiring projects. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Electrical Division issues all electrician licenses in the state. However, several municipalities require separate licensure to perform work in their city or county. For example, Detroit and Grand Rapids require a municipal electrical license for work in their respective cities.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Michigan?

LARA grants two different types of general electrical licenses:

• Journeyman
• Master Electrician

It also grants licenses in two specialty electrical areas:

• Fire alarm specialty technician
• Sign specialist

In addition, the department offers an electrical contractor license, so a master electrician can work as an independent contractor.

How to get a Michigan electrician license

Your career as an electrician starts with an apprenticeship, which usually lasts about four years until you’ve accumulated the requisite hours of work experience (8,000) and completed your classroom training. You work under the supervision of a licensed electrical journeyman or a licensed Master Electrician as you complete your fieldwork requirements.

Apprentices must have a license. You can submit a license application for either a general electrical apprentice or a fire alarm specialty technician. The license fee for apprentices is $15. Licenses are also renewed annually for $15.

There are many apprenticeship options in Michigan, both union and non-union. You can find a list of available apprenticeships on the Michigan Workforce Development Agency website and the Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee website.

Requirements for Michigan electrician apprentices include:

• Be a Michigan resident
• Be at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Have reliable transportation
• Must pass a drug test and criminal background check

Each Michigan electrician license has different requirements, and you must submit the appropriate proof of work experience and education when you apply.

Journeyman electrician license requirements

A journeyman electrician must complete an apprenticeship and pass the journeyman exam. This process usually takes about four years and requires at least 8,000 practical field experience and 576 hours of classroom training. Once you’ve accomplished this and passed your journeyman electrical exam, you can submit your application and the fee of $40. Licenses renew annually and cost $40 to renew.

This person performs electrical work under the supervision of a master electrician. You also can work at the journeyman level for your entire career.

Master Electrician license requirements

A master electrician must work two years as a journeyman and pass the master electrician exam, plus submit proof of at least 12,000 hours of fieldwork (about six years). Once you pass the exam, you can submit the application for a Master Electrician. The fee is $50; licenses renew annually at a cost of $50.

As a Master Electrician, you can do any type of electrical work independently, including planning electrical systems. You also can hire and supervise apprentices and journeyman electricians.

Michigan electrical contractor license requirements

An electrical contractor is someone who has received a master electrician license and passed the electrical contractor exam. This license is necessary if you want to run an independent business. Contractors can make significantly more than other electricians, especially in areas with a high cost of living. Once you meet the qualifications for a Michigan electrical contractor, you can submit your application and required documents and pay a fee of $55. Licenses renew annually at a cost of $100.

Fire alarm systems electrician licenses

Michigan issues two licenses for fire alarm specialty technicians:

• Fire Alarm Specialty Technician: Must have a certification from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET) as an associate engineering technician, level II OR an equivalent certification, education, or training approved by the board in the field of fire alarm systems technology.
• Fire Alarm Contractor: Applicants must either have a fire alarm specialty technician license or employ at least one person who holds this license. As a fire alarm contractor, you are actively responsible for code compliance and in charge of all fire alarm system wiring installation, repair, and maintenance.

Electrical sign specialist

Michigan issues two types of sign specialist electrical licenses:

• Sign Specialist: Must have at least 4,000 hours of field experience over a two-year period, completing the manufacture, installation, maintenance, connection, and repair of electric signs and related wiring.
• Sign Specialty Contractor: Applicants must either hold a sign specialist license or have at least one full-time sign specialist employed. You are responsible for all code compliance for installing, connecting, and repairing electrical signs and related wiring.

Apprentice and education information for getting a Michigan electrician license

Your electrical career starts with an apprenticeship. Michigan has both union and non-union apprenticeship programs for electricians. If you choose a union apprenticeship, you can join the union, benefit from collective bargaining, and enjoy professional networking benefits.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is the largest electrician union in the county. It offers many apprenticeship opportunities. Other apprenticeships include:

• Michigan State University: Electrical Training Apprenticeship (Online)
• Mid-Michigan College Electrical Apprenticeship
• Detroit Electrical Industry Training Center (EITC) apprenticeship program
• Lansing Community College electrician program

Optional certifications for Michigan electricians

In Michigan, you need to hold a valid state license (and sometimes a municipal license) to do electrical work. Many electricians go further, gaining certifications in specialized areas or proving their expertise. These additional certifications can open up more opportunities, depending on your career goals. Whether you’re looking to specialize or advance in the field, earning one or more of these credentials can be a smart move for your professional growth.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and similar systems. It also provides various certifications and continuing education programs to help professionals stay current in the field. Whether you want to expand your expertise or keep up with industry standards, NFPA’s programs can be a valuable resource for career growth and skill development.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is one of the best professional organizations for electricians in the U.S. and is highly respected in the industry. Open to all electricians, NECA offers great networking connections and continuing education opportunities. It also offers certifications for professionals at every career level, helping them showcase their skills to clients and employers. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing in your career, NECA’s resources and credentials can be valuable for growth and recognition in the field.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians nationwide and is valid in every state. If you’re not ready for the CPE, IEC offers other certifications, including specialty options for those exploring niche fields.

The IEC also provides continuing education to keep electricians informed about industry changes and offers apprenticeship opportunities. For those looking for an alternative to union apprenticeships or trade schools, the IEC is a strong option for foundational training and career growth. With resources for electricians at every stage, the IEC is a valuable organization for professional development in the electrical industry.

How much does an electrician make in Michigan?

Electricians in Michigan earn competitive wages, especially in larger metro areas with high demand. Job opportunities range from entry-level roles to advanced managerial positions, providing plenty of room for career growth. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to advance, Michigan offers strong earning potential. Here are the average pay rates for some of the most in-demand electrician jobs in the state:

• Apprentice electrician: $21.86 per hour
• Electrical technician: $28.09 per hour
• General electrician: $65,946 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $33.76 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $76,149 per year
• Electrical Project Manager: $86,792 per year

Michigan electrician salaries are fairly close to the national average, although some variance exists. General electricians in Michigan make an average of $65,946 per year, compared to the U.S. average of $63,664 per year. Apprentices in Michigan make a little less than the national average, too: $21.86 per hour, compared to the U.S. average of $22.03 per hour.

Electricians in high-cost-of-living areas often earn more, though this isn’t always guaranteed. Factors like overtime, night and weekend shifts, or emergency work can boost hourly wages. Salaried electricians may receive bonuses, adding to their income. Those who own electrical contracting businesses can make significantly more than the average electrician, but running a business also comes with unique challenges and responsibilities.

Should I join an electrician union in Michigan?

Joining an electrician’s union in your area is a helpful way to get started as an electrician. Several unions offer apprenticeship programs supervised by other union members. The union also can help you find local job openings. Many self-employed electricians depend on unions for benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

If you want to join an electricians’ union in Michigan, you can start with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). It offers apprenticeships, represents members across the state, and has several local branches, including IBEW Local 876 in Mount Pleasant, IBEW Local 275 in Western Michigan, and IBEW Local 58 in Detroit.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

After receiving your Michigan electrical license, you can start looking for a new job. Many companies place job openings on online job boards like Indeed, Zip Recruiter, and Career Builder. You can ask people in your apprenticeship program for assistance. Your local union is a good resource, too. For your interview, dress in professional clothes. Be prepared to demonstrate your skills, and bring a copy of your resume.

Electrician insurance in Michigan

Electricians of all levels need basic health insurance. If you work for a large company, your employer likely provides coverage. If you run your own business, you can get it through a union or purchase a personal plan. As a business owner, you should have liability insurance and, depending on the projects you’re doing, a surety bond, too. This insurance covers basic business concerns, including property damage and personal injury. Electrician insurance helps keep your business protected. And, if you have three or more employees, you must, by law, have Michigan Workers’ Compensation insurance coverage.

Electrician industry trends

The technology around electrical work is constantly changing. Stay aware of current trends by attending trade shows like the NECA National Training Institute in Ann Arbor. You can learn even more information by following blogs and reading electrical trade journals.

As more people purchase electrical vehicles, there will be an increased demand for EV charging ports, both in people’s homes and in public. Learning how to install these ports, re-wire residential structures to accommodate EV chargers, and being able to repair and maintain EV systems can give you more career options.

Or, consider a career in alternative energy systems. Michigan has over 1,500 wind farms, in Michigan; learning how to install and maintain the turbines and plants or transfer harvested energy from the turbines to electrical grids is a career path with unlimited growth.

FAQs

Is my license only valid in Michigan?

Michigan does not have reciprocity with any other state. You can submit an out-of-state license as proof of work hours. However, anyone who wants to do electrical work in Michigan must pass the state exam and receive a Michigan electrical license.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Michigan?

Michigan licenses renew annually:

• Apprentice: Renews annually fee is $15
• Journeyman: $40, plus 15 hours of continuing education on the state’s most recently adopted version of the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Master Electrician: Renews annually at a cost of $50
• Electrical Contractor: Renews annually at a cost of $100

How can I get a replacement copy of my Michigan electrician license?

If your name or address changes or you need a duplicate license, visit the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and pay a small fee.