If you’re considering becoming a plumber in Indiana, you’re on track for a dynamic and fulfilling career.
Indiana’s thriving communities and diverse infrastructure create a constant need for skilled plumbing professionals.
Given Indiana’s mix of urban hubs and rural areas, plumbers here hold a pivotal role in maintaining efficient water systems and ensuring the functionality of residential, commercial, and industrial setups.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the essential steps and insights on how to embark on a successful journey toward becoming a plumber in Indiana.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Indiana – Step by Step
To begin your journey to becoming a plumber in Indiana you need to be at least 17 years old.
You must provide proof of a High School Degree or the GED equivalent.
Before you can apply for any of the licenses the state issues, you must complete a 4-year apprenticeship program.
The state of Indiana issues the following plumbing licenses:
- Apprentice Plumber Registration (This is an apprenticeship registration, not a license)
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Plumbing Contractor License
Apprenticeship Program
To enroll in an apprenticeship program in Indiana you must be at least 17 years old, and an Indiana resident.
The apprenticeship program you choose must be approved by the Plumbing Commission, and it must consist of both on-the-job training and classroom education.
You must have at least 4 years of on-the-job training working under the supervision of a licensed plumber, this equals 6,400 hours of work total.
Within those 4 years, you must also obtain 144 hours of classroom education annually, or 576 hours total over the 4 years.
After completing an apprenticeship program you can go on and apply for the Journeyman Plumber license.
Journeyman Plumber License
To apply for the Journeyman Plumber License in Indiana you must be 18 or older, however knowing that you can start an apprenticeship program when you are 17, the realistic estimation is that you will be around 21/22 when you finish your apprenticeship and can apply for the license.
You can also apply for the Journeyman Plumber License if you are already a licensed plumber in any other state.
You must submit an application form along with the exam fee which is $30.
It is an open-book exam that consists of 90 questions, and there is a 3-hour time limit.
The questions include:
- 6 questions: Storm Water Systems
- 6 questions: Indiana Business
- 7 questions: General Requirements
- 10 questions: Fixtures
- 7 questions: Water Heaters
- 14 questions: Water Supply and Distribution
- 15 questions: Sanitary Drainage
- 17 questions: Vents
- 8 questions: Developed Length/Isometric Analysis
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
If you have passed you will go on to get your license issued.
License fees differ depending on the year.
On odd-numbered years it is $15, and on even-numbered years it is $30.
Plumbing Contractor License
To own your own plumbing business you need to obtain the plumbing contractor license.
In-state applicants for the license must have at least a 4-year apprenticeship program and/or a Journeyman Plumber License.
Journeymen plumbers who are licensed in other states can also apply for the Contractor license.
The application and examination process are similar to the Journeyman licensure.
There is an application fee of $50 and an exam fee that is also $50.
It is an open-book exam, consisting of 90 questions, and there is a 3-hour time limit to complete it.
The questions consist of:
- 14 questions: Indiana Business
- 9 questions: General Requirements
- 10 questions: Fixtures
- 5 questions: Water Heaters
- 12 questions: Water Supply and Distribution
- 13 questions: Sanitary Drainage
- 13 questions: Vents
- 10 questions: Developed Length/Isometric Analysis
- 4 questions: Storm Water Systems
Plumbing Schools in Indiana
Indiana offers some of the best schools and apprenticeship programs to properly prepare aspiring plumbers for the career that lies ahead.
Mechanical Skills Inc.
Mechanical Skills Inc. offers a 4-year apprenticeship program that also includes formal classes. 
Classes are held Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
144 credit hours are given yearly within this program.
To learn more about the program and how to apply visit their website.
Peterman Top Tech Academy
Peterman Top Tech Academy offers the Top Tech Plumbing program. 
This program consists of on-the-job training under the supervision of highly experienced plumbers, as well as a school curriculum.
You can finish this program in as little as 4 months.
The planned curriculum includes a hybrid of live and virtual learning modules for more than 620 hours of training.
To learn more about the program visit their website where you will find everything you need to know and videos of their instructions sharing their journey in the school.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Skills Inc. | 3535 E Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46201, United States |
| Peterman Top Tech Academy | 5240 Commerce Cir, Indianapolis, IN 46237, United States |
Salary
Plumbers in Indiana are fairly paid for their hard work and dedication to maintaining their community and ensuring all the plumbing systems are functioning perfectly.
Annual wages vary anywhere from $46063 to $78144.
The current average annual salary is $62040.
Plumbers in the cities of Gary and Hammond have the highest annual average wages, estimated at $63589.
As you gain experience, there is no doubt that your salary will grow.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Gary | $63,589 |
| Hammond | $63,589 |
| Indianapolis | $61,901 |
| Evansville | $60,130 |
| South Bend | $59,986 |
| Fort Wayne | $59,350 |
| Anderson | $58,910 |
| Muncie | $58,681 |
| Bloomington | $58,601 |
| Terre Haute | $58,408 |
Regional Salary in Indiana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IN | 140 | $69,330 | $33.33 | $93,330 | $45,630 |
| Columbus, IN | 60 | $65,590 | $31.54 | $93,020 | $38,180 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | 570 | $72,040 | $34.64 | $94,330 | $46,500 |
| Evansville, IN-KY | 590 | $64,640 | $31.08 | $92,410 | $37,200 |
| Fort Wayne, IN | 1,080 | $69,510 | $33.42 | $95,480 | $43,970 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson, IN | 4,000 | $70,180 | $33.74 | $96,500 | $45,150 |
| Kokomo, IN | 420 | $77,730 | $37.37 | $92,280 | $46,790 |
| Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN | 370 | $61,030 | $29.34 | $85,430 | $41,600 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | 110 | $62,660 | $30.13 | $89,170 | $43,700 |
| Muncie, IN | 60 | $54,690 | $26.29 | $67,440 | $40,590 |
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | 560 | $70,200 | $33.75 | $94,890 | $40,690 |
| Terre Haute, IN | 320 | $73,750 | $35.46 | $93,370 | $44,420 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the plumbing exams being held in Indiana?
Plumbing exams in Indiana, are held in various cities including:
- Anderson
- Avon
- Bloomington
- Elkhart County
- Evansville
- Fort Wayne
- Hammond
- Indianapolis
- Kokomo
- Lafayette
- Lawrenceburg
- Logansport
- Madison
- Muncie
- New Albany
- Richmond
- Sellersburg
- South Bend
- Terre Haute
How much does a plumbing license renewal cost in Indiana?
Plumbing license renewal fees in Indiana are different for Journeyman and Contractor licenses.
- Journeyman renewal – $30
- Contractor renewal – $100
When should I renew my plumbing license in Indiana?
Both Journeyman and Contractor licenses in Indiana expire on December 31st of odd-numbered years, so you should have them renewed by then.
The current licenses you have will be valid until December 31st, 2023.
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