These High-Paying Michigan Trades Are Desperate for Workers in 2025

Individuals in varied skilled trades roles (electrician, welder, construction manager with hardhat and tablet, HVAC tech working on piping).

May marks Professional Trades Month in Michigan, a timely reminder of the critical role skilled tradespeople play in our economy. From electricians and welders to HVAC technicians and construction managers, these professionals keep the state running smoothly. Michigan projects more than 518,000 skilled trades jobs by 2032, with about 40,600 annual openings. The demand for trained workers continues to rise.

This month is not only about recognizing these contributions but also encouraging Michiganders to explore these high-paying, secure career paths. Thanks to initiatives like Michigan Reconnect, adults across the state can now access tuition-free programs to get trained in these essential fields.

The Most In-Demand Trades for 2025

Labor market trends show that skilled trades careers are not only stable but also lucrative. Here are the top trades in demand across Michigan and the United States:

Electricians
Electricians are essential as Michigan upgrades its power grid and expands renewable energy. Demand is rising due to electric vehicles, smart homes, and infrastructure modernization. Salaries often range from $60,000 to $90,000, with experienced professionals earning more.

HVAC Technicians
Heating and cooling systems are evolving. Technicians are needed to install and maintain advanced and energy-efficient units. Salaries typically fall between $50,000 and $75,000, and specialists in green technology can earn even more.

Plumbers and Pipefitters
As infrastructure ages and construction booms, these trades remain vital. Skilled plumbers and pipefitters can earn $55,000 to $85,000, with top professionals making closer to $95,000.

Welders
Welders play a role in almost every sector, from construction to aerospace. Salaries generally range from $50,000 to $70,000, with opportunities for higher pay in specialized areas.

Construction Managers
These professionals are key to keeping projects on track. Salaries start around $70,000 and can climb to $115,000 or more, especially on larger or more complex projects.

Heavy Equipment Operators
As Michigan invests in infrastructure, operators of machinery like bulldozers and cranes are needed. These workers earn between $55,000 and $80,000, with top earners approaching $100,000.

Solar Installers
Clean energy is reshaping the trades landscape. Solar panel installers earn about $69,000 on average, and demand is growing quickly.

student watches instructor demonstrate plumbing technique in a classroom

Michigan Reconnect: Your Path to a Skilled Trade

For adults 25 and older without a college degree, Michigan Reconnect offers an incredible opportunity to access free tuition for associate degrees and skills certificates. Training is available in many of the high-demand fields listed above.

Programs in areas like Electrical Technology, HVAC Systems, Plumbing, Welding, and Construction Management prepare students for stable, high-paying roles in Michigan’s economy.

By lowering financial barriers, Michigan Reconnect helps individuals pursue new careers and fill critical workforce gaps across the state.

A Future Built on Trades

The skilled trades offer more than a paycheck. They provide career growth, stability, and the satisfaction of building and maintaining the foundations of everyday life. As technology continues to evolve, many of these careers are becoming even more advanced, incorporating digital tools and sustainable practices.

Whether you are a recent graduate or an adult ready for a career change, the skilled trades offer a promising path forward. Professional Trades Month is the perfect time to consider the possibilities.

Visit Michigan Reconnect to learn how you can get started and Michigan Talent Connect to find immediate job openings.

Celebrate Professional Trades Month by taking action. The future of Michigan’s economy depends on skilled hands and determined minds.

Struggling to Find Skilled Workers in Michigan? Here’s How to Fix It:

16-x-9-image-of-a-factory-in-an-outdoor-setting-with-nothing-but-empty-fields-and money is raining down on the factory

In Michigan’s manufacturing world, one thing is clear: skilled workers are the lifeblood of the industry. Yet, businesses across the state are struggling to find talent that matches their needs. Enter the Going PRO Talent Fund—a program designed to help employers not just survive, but thrive, by filling these skill gaps with purpose and precision.

The Skills Gap Crisis
Michigan is poised to see over 520,000 jobs in the professional trades by 2030, yet the talent pool isn’t keeping pace. Many businesses are forced to navigate this ever-widening gap, leaving their productivity and innovation in limbo. Employers need workers who can hit the ground running, equipped with industry-recognized credentials and in-demand skills.

And while the hunt for skilled talent can feel like chasing a unicorn, the Going PRO Talent Fund offers a lifeline.

What is the Going PRO Talent Fund?
Since 2014, the Going PRO Talent Fund has been the state’s secret weapon for workforce development. By connecting businesses with funding to train employees, the program addresses both immediate and long-term needs.

For 2025, the program awarded $42.7 million to nearly 700 businesses, impacting over 22,000 workers statewide.
Training includes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and registered apprenticeship programs—all leading to transferable, industry-recognized credentials. This isn’t just about filling vacancies; it’s about future-proofing your workforce. The program helps employers upskill current employees, reskill workers for new roles, and onboard new hires effectively.

Why Businesses Should Care
Michigan businesses can no longer afford to view workforce development as optional. The reality is simple: without skilled workers, there’s no innovation, no growth, and no competitive edge. The Going PRO Talent Fund is designed to bridge this gap by:

Reducing Costs: With the average training cost per employee at $1,412, this program makes upskilling affordable.
Tailored Solutions: Employers define their training needs and work with local Michigan Works! Agencies to develop strategic plans.

Sustainability: Training leads to industry-recognized credentials, ensuring employees remain valuable long-term assets.
Success Stories Across Michigan

From Detroit manufacturers to small businesses in rural areas, employers are seeing real results. Dana Williams, CEO of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, puts it best:

“The Going PRO Talent Fund transforms opportunities into success stories for both Michigan workers and businesses.”

Take the example of a manufacturing firm struggling to integrate advanced automation systems. With Going PRO funding, they trained their existing workforce, ensuring smooth operations and reducing reliance on external specialists.

How to Apply for 2025 Grants
Want in? You’re not alone. The Going PRO Talent Fund’s next application window opens in Spring 2025, so now’s the time to start preparing.

Here’s how:
•Identify Needs: Work with your team to pinpoint skill gaps and training priorities.
•Partner with Michigan Works!: These agencies help craft training strategies and ensure your application hits all the right notes.
•Submit Your Application: Watch for updates at Michigan.gov/TalentFund and make sure to meet all deadlines.

A Long-Term Vision
The Going PRO Talent Fund isn’t just a short-term fix—it’s an investment in Michigan’s future. By empowering businesses to build their workforce, the program ensures long-term economic growth and stability for all.

In a state where manufacturing drives progress, programs like Going PRO offer hope, strategy, and opportunity. Whether you’re struggling to find skilled workers or simply want to stay ahead, this fund can help you turn workforce challenges into competitive advantages.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s make “skilled worker shortage” a phrase of the past.