Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Michigan

Wages, programs & career outlook
MI Median Salary
$48,840/yr
-2% vs. national
National Median
$49,670/yr
MI Employment
20,650
Automotive Mechanics employed
MI Sponsors
1559
Registered programs

Michigan Wage Spread

Annual wages for Automotive Mechanics in Michigan across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$31,840
25th %ile
$38,150
Median
$48,840
75th %ile
$63,540
90th %ile
$79,680

Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Michigan

Automotive Mechanics in Michigan earn $48,840/yr — roughly in line with the $48,060 national median across all occupations. The financial case depends on low training costs and strong job security.

The $48,840 median in Michigan is within striking distance of the $49,670 national figure. Average wages, but apprenticeships here may still offer strong local placement.

Federal projections put Automotive Mechanic growth at 4.2% over the next decade. The trade generates about 70,000 openings per year, driven more by an aging workforce than by net new positions.

With 2.6% of the nation's Automotive Mechanics (20,650 workers), Michigan sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

Becoming a Automotive Mechanic through apprenticeship takes roughly 4 years — 8,000 hours split between on-the-job training and classroom study covering vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications. Wages start at a fraction of journeyman rate and increase on a set schedule.

With 1,559 sponsors on record, Michigan ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

Apprentices entering the Automotive Mechanic trade in Michigan start near the $31,840 floor but have a clear path to $79,680 — a $47,840 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Michigan

1559 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Michigan. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Siemens Controls 45470 Commerce Center Dr.
Big Steps, Little Feet Ada
Monsma Landscape & Maintenance, Inc Ada
Kapnick Insurance Adrian
Legacy Barber College Adrian Lenawee County
Lenawee Medical Care Facility Adrian
Madison School District Adrian
Michigan Works! Southeast - Lenawee Service Center Adrian
Albion Electric, Inc. Albion Jackson County
Knauf Insulation Albion Calhoun County
Team One Plastics Albion Calhoun County
Little Tigers Learning Center Allegan
Perrigo Company Allegan Allegan County
West Michigan Works! Service Center - Allegan County Allegan
WestRock - Allegan Allegan Allegan County
Ford-Lincoln Motor Company Allen Park Wayne County
Allendale Public Schools Allendale
Star Crane & Hoist Services Allendale Ottawa County
Alma College Alma Gratiot County
Alma Public Schools Alma
Children's Discovery Academy, Inc. Alma
Michigan Works! Service Center - Gratiot Alma
Alcona Citizens for Health, Inc. Alpena
Alpena Opco, LLC - DBA: Medilodge of Alpena Alpena
Alpena Power Company Alpena Alpena County
+ 5 more sponsors in Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Automotive Mechanic salary in Michigan?
The median annual wage for Automotive Mechanics in Michigan is $48,840 as of May 2024. Wages range from $31,840 at the 10th percentile to $79,680 at the 90th percentile.
How many years does it take to become a Automotive Mechanic through apprenticeship?
Most Automotive Mechanic apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Should I do a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship or go to trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Automotive Mechanics, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
What is the job outlook for Automotive Mechanics?
Demand for Automotive Mechanics is steady, with 4.2% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship in Michigan?
Contact one of the 1559 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Michigan, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Automotive Mechanic apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Michigan, a first-year Automotive Mechanic apprentice might earn around $24,420/yr (roughly half the $48,840 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Automotive Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Michigan

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.