Carpenter Apprenticeships in Michigan
Michigan has 26 registered apprenticeship sponsors training carpenters — 11 of them union or joint labor-management programs. Apprentices earn a wage from day one and finish without tuition debt.
Registered sponsors
26
Union / joint programs
11
Median carpenter wage
$61,410
Michigan, all experience levels
Job growth 2022–2032
-1.7%
2,000 openings/yr
Largest Registered Sponsors
Union and joint labor-management programs are listed first — they typically pay the best apprentice rates and charge no tuition.
| Sponsor | City | Program type |
|---|---|---|
| General Motors Company-NAETC Union / joint | FLINT | Single Employer |
| General Motors Powertrain, Bay City, Michigan Plant Union / joint | Bay City | Single Employer |
| General Motors Romulus Propulsion Operations Union / joint | ROMULUS | Single Employer |
| GM Factory Zero Union / joint | DETROIT | Single Employer |
| GM Flint Engine Operations Union / joint | Flint | Single Employer |
| GM GPS - SAGINAW METAL CASTING OP Union / joint | SAGINAW | Single Employer |
| GM Pontiac Manufacturing Union / joint | Pontiac | Single Employer |
| GM Tech Center Union / joint | WARREN | Single Employer |
| Michigan Statewide Carpenters & Millwrights JATF Union / joint | Detroit | Multiple Employer |
| NAO ORION ASSEMBLY CENTER CLCD GMC Union / joint | LAKE ORION | Single Employer |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors (apprenticeship.gov).
What Carpenters Earn in Michigan
Wages
- Median annual wage: $61,410
- Average annual wage: $61,620
- Carpenters employed statewide: 21,550
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. Apprentices typically start at 40–50% of the journeyman rate and get scheduled raises.
10-year outlook
- Projected growth 2022–2032: -1.7%
- Average openings per year: 2,000
- Employment: 25,180 → 24,760
Source: Projections Central / state workforce agencies.
Michigan Licensing for Carpenters
Residential Builder
- Education: Specific course required
- Experience: Undetermined
- Exam: State exam required
- Continuing education: Undetermined
Issuing agency: Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs · agency website
Source: CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor). Time spent in a registered apprenticeship generally counts toward license experience requirements.