CredentialCompassJump to FAQ
Verified by MI Board of Education

K-12 Teacher Licensing in Michigan

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Michigan, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

No exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Michigan

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • No exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Michigan Department of Education

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $62,350 median (0% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #20 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Michigan eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Michigan Department of Education and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Michigan

With a median salary of $62,350, K-12 Teachers in Michigan earn 0% above the national median of $62,340. Michigan ranks #20 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.6%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,308

Median annual salary

$62,350

Hourly estimate

$29.98
0% above national median

Difference: +$10

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$46,130
  • P2525th percentile$49,810
  • P50Median$62,350
  • P7575th percentile$78,030
  • P9090th percentile$91,140

State vs National Median

State: $62,350
National: $62,340

Total employment: 40,200 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#20 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$99,110
#2California$98,190
#3Rhode Island$86,900
#4Massachusetts$83,260
#5New York$82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Michigan$62,350Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$65,380Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Indiana$58,370Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$60,690Degree requiredState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Michigan68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Ohio78HighBoard-specific review required.
Indiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Wisconsin78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Michigan Department of Education

P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, MI, 48909

Phone: 5172415000

Related Careers in Michigan

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$76,760Degree requiredVaries by board
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$100,110Degree requiredVaries by board
Business Teachers, Postsecondary$100,730Degree requiredVaries by board
Education Teachers, Postsecondary$65,340Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Michigan?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for K-12 Teachers in Michigan?

Michigan lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for K-12 Teachers.

What education do you need to become a K-12 Teacher in Michigan?

The board typically expects Degree required for K-12 Teacher licensure in Michigan.

What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Michigan?

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Michigan is $62,350. Salaries range from $46,130 (10th percentile) to $91,140 (90th percentile).

How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Michigan compare to the national average?

K-12 Teachers in Michigan earn 0% above the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $62,350.

How many K-12 Teachers work in Michigan?

Michigan employs approximately 40,200 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Michigan from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Michigan?

The licensing agency is Michigan Department of Education. Review agency details at https://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,4615,7-140-5683_14795---,00.html.

How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Michigan?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.