Firefighter Apprenticeship in Michigan

Wages, programs & career outlook
MI Median Salary
$55,570/yr
-7% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
MI Employment
7,390
Firefighters employed
MI Sponsors
1559
Registered programs

Michigan Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Michigan across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$37,440
25th %ile
$46,550
Median
$55,570
75th %ile
$64,790
90th %ile
$78,590

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Michigan

The median Firefighter in Michigan earns $55,570 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 16%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

At $55,570 per year, Michigan pays 7% less than the national Firefighter median. The gap isn't dramatic but worth factoring into an apprenticeship decision.

Employment for Firefighters is projected to grow 3.4% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 27,100 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

With 2.2% of the nation's Firefighters (7,390 workers), Michigan sits in the middle of the pack. Apprenticeship programs exist but may concentrate in metro areas rather than spread statewide.

Hybrid apprenticeships for Firefighters combine the structure of time-based training with the flexibility of competency milestones. Plan on 2 years, though strong performers in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams sometimes finish earlier.

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.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Firefighters in Michigan ($37,440 to $78,590) covers $41,150. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.

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 do Firefighters earn in Michigan?
The BLS reports a median wage of $55,570/yr for Firefighters in Michigan (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How long is a Firefighter apprenticeship?
Most Firefighter apprenticeships run 2 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
What's the difference between a Firefighter apprenticeship and trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Firefighters, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
What is the job outlook for Firefighters?
Demand for Firefighters is steady, with 3.4% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Firefighter 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 Firefighter apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Michigan, a first-year Firefighter apprentice might earn around $27,785/yr (roughly half the $55,570 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 2-year program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Michigan

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