Certifications & licenses in Michigan
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 28 professional credentials in MI. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Michigan
Licensing landscape in Michigan
A full cosmetologist license requires 1,500 training hours, and the biennial renewal fee as of 2026 is $48.
Michigan Board of Cosmetology
For 2024 license renewals, massage therapists must complete 3 hours of implicit bias training in addition to 18 hours of standard continuing education.
Michigan Board of Massage Therapy
As of 2025, Emergency Medical Technicians must complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years to be eligible for license renewal.
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Applicants for a Residential Builder license must complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensure education before they can take the state exam.
LARA, Bureau of Construction Codes
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Michigan
A $65K salary in Michigan has a purchasing power roughly equivalent to a $70K salary in an average-cost-of-living state.
Regional comparison: Michigan vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs MI |
|---|---|---|
| MI | $39,570 | — |
| OH | $39,010 | -1% vs MI |
| IN | $38,330 | -3% vs MI |
| WI | $45,130 | +14% vs MI |
| IL | $45,960 | +16% vs MI |
| State | Required training hours | vs MI |
|---|---|---|
| MI | 625 hours | — |
| OH | 750 hours | +125 hours |
| IN | 625 hours | 0 hours |
| WI | 600 hours | -25 hours |
| IL | 600 hours | -25 hours |
Healthcare in Michigan
14 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $39,570 |
| Dental Assistant | Required | $48,820 |
| EMT | Required | $39,870 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $65,460 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $39,870 |
| Medical Coder | No | $48,120 |
| Paramedic | Required | $52,080 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $44,340 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $39,860 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $76,420 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | Required | $94,300 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $79,850 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $63,320 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $83,790 |
Skilled Trades in Michigan
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $57,180 |
| Electrician | Required | $76,270 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $60,850 |
| Plumber | Required | $80,190 |
| Welder | No | $49,990 |
Personal Care & Wellness in Michigan
4 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Trainer | No | $45,520 |
| Barber | Required | $35,490 |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $34,820 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $70,960 |
Professional & Business in Michigan
5 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $78,820 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $62,170 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $61,900 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $57,880 |