There’s no better time to be an electrician in Michigan — gainful employment prospects, increasing pay levels, and job growth that is better than the national average between 2014 and 2024. As skilled tradespersons who design, install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, electricians are looking at a job outlook that’s expected to grow by as much as 20 percent by the year 2022.
According to the United States Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, this increase is because the construction building and maintenance industry are currently thriving, meaning more jobs for those with the right training and qualifications. In addition, many older electricians turned to other vocations during the recession-era and their absence means the door is open to new workers in the field.
Factors Affecting the Job Market for Electricians
Technological advancements related to alternative power generation, such as solar and wind, continue to challenge today’s electricians in exciting ways. From new installations and maintenance programs to linking these alternative energy sources to the grids, electricians can expect to have a field day with employment opportunities, as long as they have the requisite skills and qualifications. That said, there are other factors that can affect electrician jobs in the state of Michigan:
- Aging Electrical Infrastructure — Reliability issues and obsolescence of the aging electrical grid will create tremendous pressures to update transmission and generation infrastructure in order to maintain output. Naturally, this process will require the services of skilled electricians and linemen.
- Emergence of New Technology and Industries — The emergence and subsequent adoption of automation and electronics across various industries mean that more and more electrical workers will be called upon to perform installation, operation and maintenance functions.
Given these factors, it is safe to assume that this career field will continue to show healthy growth for the foreseeable future. Thinking of being an electrician? Here’s what you need to do.
Qualifications Needed to Become an Electrician in Michigan
The many electrical contracting companies in Michigan offer skilled and licensed electricians the opportunity to work across residential, commercial and industrial environments. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Construction Codes regulate the licensing process and lists the following requirements for qualified applicants looking to become electricians in the state:
- Obtain the required classroom training hours and on-site work experience to become a journeyman electrician
- Pass the examination to become a licensed journeyman electrician
- Earn a master electrician license
- Consider becoming an independent electrical contractor in Michigan
Electricians often receive ongoing training throughout their careers, which helps them stay up to date on changes to the electrical code, new safety practices, and how to handle specific products.
How Much Do Electricians Make in The State of Michigan
On-the-job experience accounts for the relatively larger salaries of experienced electricians compared to new hires. For instance, the average salary for a Master Electrician is $28.56 per hour in Michigan, but by the time they have between 5 and 10 years of experience behind them, they can command even a lot more.
Strong job growth and the promise of a long, stable career make electrician jobs quite attractive to high school graduates. If you’re a logical thinker with an aptitude for science and math, becoming an electrician could be the right fit for you. Start your search for a great electrician role today.