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Michigan Economy 2025: The Split No One Wants to Admit
The Detroit Regional Chamber’s September 2025 Michigan Statewide Voter Survey, conducted by the Glengariff Group, offers a snapshot of a state both resilient and restless. The data reveal a public that sees signs of economic stabilization but remains haunted by high costs, uneven opportunity, and deep uncertainty about what lies ahead. Over the next six months, the outlook hinges on whether consumer confidence and job quality can overcome the drag of inflation and tariff pressure.
Michigan’s Mood: A Narrow Majority Feels the State is on Track
For the first time since early 2025, more than half of Michigan voters, 51.5 percent, say the state is on the right track, compared to 33.7 percent who believe it is on the wrong one. This modest optimism stems mainly from independents, whose right-track sentiment jumped from 44.7 percent in April to 52.3 percent in September. Strong Republican voters also showed a notable uptick, from 20.9 percent to 34.0 percent. These shifts suggest a fragile coalition of confidence that extends beyond partisan lines, even as economic doubts persist.
But when asked specifically about the economy, Michiganders are divided. Forty-two point four percent say it is on the right track, and 42.8 percent say it is not. This statistical split highlights a state where people may feel better about direction and leadership than about their wallets.
Political identity shapes how people read the same economic facts. This is normal and well documented. Pew shows that views of national economic conditions swing with party control of the White House, with Republicans turning more positive and Democrats more negative in 2025. Gallup reports the same flip in its Economic Confidence Index following the 2024 election, driven by Republicans becoming more upbeat and Democrats more downbeat. Political scientists describe this as motivated reasoning or partisan bias in perception, where people seek and interpret information that affirms prior loyalties rather than updating neutrally.
Inflation: The Persistent Undercurrent
Inflation remains the state’s defining economic anxiety. Among voters who say Michigan’s economy is on the wrong track, 38.8 percent cite inflation and the cost of goods as the main reason, up sharply from 22.9 percent in May. Three out of four residents, 75.8 percent, report paying more for groceries, two thirds, 68.1 percent, for utilities, and 60.4 percent for home or auto insurance. These figures cut across demographics and party lines.
The pain of rising costs has not translated into universal despair. Roughly 72.6 percent of voters say they are doing better or about the same as a year ago. Yet, of the 27.1 percent who say they are doing worse, a majority, 55.2 percent, blame inflation. Only 16.8 percent say they are doing better, often due to wage increases, promotions, or new jobs, small but meaningful signs of labor-market movement.
Jobs and Hiring: The Confidence Gap
Just over half, 52.0 percent, believe good-paying jobs are available, a drop of eight points since May. That decline is led by Democratic voters, only about one third of whom see strong job prospects. Independents, 60.4 percent, and Republicans, roughly two thirds, are more upbeat. Still, four in ten Michiganders say they know someone looking for work, and 77.8 percent of them say it has been hard to find a job. Among those aware of recent college graduates, 77.0 percent say the same.
This sentiment gap, between perceived availability of good jobs and personal experience finding them, underscores a labor market that feels tight on both sides. For employers, it signals lingering competition for skilled workers even as wage pressure softens. For job seekers, especially younger and lower-income workers, it reflects frustration that openings do not always translate into sustainable pay.
Tariffs: A Clear Economic Flashpoint
Michigan’s manufacturing base feels the bite of global policy more than most. Voters oppose the expanded tariffs by a 51.2 to 40.8 margin. A majority, 71.5 percent, say tariffs have increased what they pay for goods, and 60.3 percent believe tariffs are hurting the state’s auto industry. Nearly half expect smaller profit-sharing checks for auto workers this year.
Those numbers suggest that what was once an abstract policy debate has become a daily reality for Michigan households. The rising costs of vehicles, materials, and inputs are trickling through to local economies. Yet, some blue-collar workers remain more supportive of tariffs than their white-collar counterparts, indicating that the political divide over trade is tied to identity as well as economics.
Artificial Intelligence: A Dividing Line Between Opportunity and Anxiety
Nearly half of Michigan voters (47.5%) report using AI in their personal or professional lives, but optimism about its benefits is muted. Only 23.7% believe AI will make Michigan more prosperous, while 39.4% think it will make the state less so. A majority (61.0%) expect AI to lead to fewer jobs, not more Fall-2025-Michigan-Voter-Poll . The divide between white-collar and blue-collar voters is striking: 71.6% of white-collar workers say they use AI, compared to just 36.6% of blue-collar workers. This gap reveals an emerging structural challenge: whether technology adoption will widen or bridge economic divides. If Michigan’s industrial base fails to reskill its workforce at pace with automation, that pessimism could become self-fulfilling.
The Next Six Months: Two Diverging Roads
Optimistic scenario: Inflation continues to cool, tariffs stabilize, and employers—especially in automotive and advanced manufacturing—resume hiring to meet long-term production goals. Wage growth steadies, confidence rises among independents, and consumer spending normalizes into early 2026. Negative scenario: Inflation expectations, already high (43.1% expect it to worsen), drag on real wages. Tariff-driven costs ripple through Michigan’s manufacturing base, curbing output and dampening profit-sharing. Job openings persist, but workers remain mismatched or underpaid. In that climate, optimism could collapse as quickly as it rebounded. The September 2025 survey captures a moment of balance—between endurance and fatigue, adaptation and anxiety. Whether Michigan leans toward renewal or retrenchment will depend less on macroeconomic forces and more on how effectively its employers, educators, and policymakers convert short-term strain into long-term resilience.
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Continue readingManufacturing’s New Problem: Entry-Level Jobs for Gen Z Workers are Going Away
Remember when a weekend shift or entry-level gig got you into manufacturing? That ladder’s breaking. AI isn’t just nibbling at white-collar internships—it’s devouring the grunt-work jobs many plants rely on. As someone who’s seen hiring seasons come and go, I’m calling it: employers and Gen Z need a new playbook.
AI is automating routine roles—from first-year clerks to warehouse packers—creating fewer chances to gain experience. As the NY Post warns, “traditional entry-level jobs … are either disappearing or transforming beyond recognition.” Even Fortune recently described it as a breaking point: AI is “breaking” entry-level jobs that Gen Z workers need to launch careers. That means fewer openings for those stepping in at the ground floor—even in manufacturing, where entry gigs once ruled.
Factories and assembly lines historically fed young workers with real-world learning. But automated warehouses, cobots, and forklifts driven by AI are pushing humans out. Websites like Indeed already show thousands of listings for AI-driven roles—shift supervisors to robotics project managers—but few frontline operator positions. It’s a structural shift. We’re not just losing jobs; we’re losing the training paths that prepared people to climb to technical or management roles.
Skimping on early-career jobs means fewer future engineers or supervisors—and Michigan feels this. A Washington Post forum on U.S. manufacturing urged investment in retraining and high-skill immigration. But retraining only matters if there’s a workforce pipeline to build on.
Sure, Gen Z is digitally fluent—76% have used AI tools and more than half use them weekly. That puts them ahead. But AI alone won’t teach leadership, critical thinking, or shop-floor smarts. Experts suggest the future lies in hybrid models: apprenticeship programs that pair humans with AI, creating “AI-assisted apprenticeships and hybrid human-AI teams.” Good plan—but who’s stepping up to fund them?
Manufacturing employers need to rethink their approach now. Resist the urge to eliminate all entry-level jobs. Instead, redesign them. Create roles that teach both AI tools and mechanical basics. Upskill your workforce by investing in online courses or community-college partnerships. Offer “AI + mechanical” training tracks—think automation technicians or digital-twin operators. And build actual ladder paths. Entry-level positions should map to technical and supervisory roles, not dead ends. Michigan and other regions invested in reshoring should consider this strategic.
Lastly, partner with schools. Encourage vocational programs to include AI in automotive, food-processing, and logistics training. These kids already know how to use the tools. Let’s give them a reason to stay in the industry.
AI isn’t the enemy—it’s the spark. But if we don’t rebuild training ladders, we risk a two-tiered workforce: a few AI-literate engineers and a lost middle class. For manufacturers, the challenge and opportunity lie in redefining entry-level roles, investing in hybrid apprenticeships, and planting seeds for future leadership. Let’s not let tech break the ladder before we’ve built the next one.
Free Money Alert: $16M in State Grants Up for Grabs for Michigan Manufacturers
Going PRO Talent Fund: $16 Million to Power Michigan’s Manufacturing Comeback
Remember when “training” meant a two-minute safety video and someone’s cousin giving you a crash course on the forklift? Those days are as extinct as flip phones—thanks to Michigan’s Going PRO Talent Fund. In Fiscal Year 2025 Cycle 2, Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) just dropped $16 million into the pockets of 297 businesses statewide to level up nearly 8,000 employees through real, industry-recognized training programs.
Why Manufacturing Leaders Should Care
If you’re running a large-scale manufacturing operation, you know your biggest asset isn’t your shiny robots or CNC machines—it’s your people. And right now, there’s never been a better time to tap into state grants that make training almost free. Here’s the skinny:
Scale and Diversity: Of those 297 businesses, 86% are small-to-mid-sized, proving that both Main Street fabricators and big OEM suppliers can play. And training spans a range of sectors—advanced manufacturing, food production, clean energy, even healthcare equipment.
Immediate ROI: Businesses will upskill 4,691 current employees and onboard 3,227 new hires (including 1,788 apprentices!). Workers typically pocket a 7.2% bump in their hourly wage post-training—so happier, more skilled staff and a healthier bottom line, anyone?
Apprenticeship Power: Michigan ranks 4th nationally for active registered apprenticeships, with over 22,000 participants across 850 programs. That’s a ready pipeline of talent who know your tools, processes, and—critically—your culture.
More Than Just Free Money
What separates a flash-in-the-pan grant from a real workforce strategy? Customization and sustainability. Going PRO grants are designed in partnership with local Michigan Works! agencies, so training isn’t a one-size-fits-all slide deck. It’s tailored classroom instruction, on-the-job coaching, or credentials that matter in your shop.
“We connect employers to funding that ensures Detroiters can walk the path to success,” says Dana Williams of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation. The payoff? Reduced turnover, higher productivity, and a reputation as an employer that invests in people—critical when every plant manager is competing for the same handful of welders and machinists.
Big Picture: Building Michigan’s Middle Class
Since 2014, Going PRO has trained 225,000 workers and supported 7,400 businesses. But these aren’t just stats—they’re real people getting promoted from grunt work to skilled technician, from unsteady temps to registered apprentices with credentials that travel across industries. Governor Whitmer’s FY 2026 budget even recommends $54.8 million more, signaling that Lansing sees talent pipelines as essential infrastructure. The Michigan Going PRO Talent Fund opened up submissions in March and will remain open until funds are exhausted. Click here to learn more and apply for your business!
Action Steps for Manufacturing Execs
Audit Your Skills Gaps
Partner with your local Michigan Works! Service Center. Identify your biggest choke points—robotics programming? PLC troubleshooting? CNC maintenance?
Map Out Training Paths
Choose programs that align with your growth plans: short-term certificates for quick wins, apprenticeships for deeper skill sets.
Leverage the Grant
Apply for Cycle 3 (watch Michigan.gov/TalentFund for deadlines) and secure up to 75% of training costs covered.
Showcase Success
Promote your investment in people—both internally and externally. It’s a recruiting magnet and a PR win.
At the end of the day, free money is great—unless it just sits in an email inbox. By proactively designing training that matches your production needs, you’ll turn that $16 million into a ramped-up workforce, lower turnover, and a stronger Michigan manufacturing ecosystem.
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Continue readingThese High-Paying Michigan Trades Are Desperate for Workers in 2025
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.
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.
