Machinist Apprenticeship in Michigan

Wages, programs & career outlook
MI Median Salary
$49,930/yr
-11% vs. national
National Median
$56,150/yr
MI Employment
23,090
Machinists employed
MI Sponsors
1559
Registered programs

Michigan Wage Spread

Annual wages for Machinists in Michigan across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$37,730
25th %ile
$44,440
Median
$49,930
75th %ile
$62,140
90th %ile
$74,510

Machinist Apprenticeship in Michigan

Machinists in Michigan earn $49,930/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.

At $49,930 per year, Michigan pays 11% less than the national Machinist median. The gap isn't dramatic but worth factoring into an apprenticeship decision.

Automation and shifting construction methods are shrinking Machinist employment (0.0% projected). Still, 29,500 annual replacement openings mean the trade isn't going away — it's consolidating.

As a major employer of Machinists (23,090 workers, 6.8% of the U.S. total), Michigan offers apprentices a deep labor market with diverse specialization opportunities after completing their program.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Machinist apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy. Every hour is paid.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Michigan is extensive: 1,559 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

The $36,780 gap between entry-level and top-earning Machinists in Michigan ($37,730 to $74,510) is tighter than most trades. Standardized pay schedules — often union-negotiated — keep the spread narrow.

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 Machinists earn in Michigan?
The median annual wage for Machinists in Michigan is $49,930 as of May 2024. Wages range from $37,730 at the 10th percentile to $74,510 at the 90th percentile.
What is the length of a Machinist apprenticeship program?
A typical Machinist apprenticeship lasts approximately 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training). The program combines paid work experience with related classroom instruction.
Should I do a Machinist apprenticeship or go to trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Machinists, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Are Machinist jobs growing?
The BLS projects 0.0% employment growth for Machinists through 2034 — declining demand. About 29500 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Machinist apprenticeship in Michigan?
There are 1559 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Michigan. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Machinist apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $24,965/yr in Michigan). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Machinist in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Michigan

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