Plumber Career Guide in Indiana
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Indiana.
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How to Become a Plumber in Indiana
Plumbers in Indiana install, maintain, and repair water, drainage, waste, venting, and fixture systems in homes and other buildings. The statewide median wage is approximately $64,560 per year, which is about $1,590 higher than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Most plumbers in Indiana complete a four- to five-year registered apprenticeship sponsored by United Association (UA) local unions, PHCC chapters, Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Ivy Tech Community College, or licensed plumbing contractors.
Training combines approximately 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction covering plumbing theory, Indiana Plumbing Code, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, gas piping, blueprint reading, hydronic systems, medical gas piping, backflow prevention, and OSHA safety standards.
The standard Indiana pathway is an approved four-year plumbing apprenticeship combining supervised employment with related classroom instruction. After completing the qualifying apprenticeship, applicants may apply for the Journeyman Plumber examination.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Indiana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Indiana median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Indiana is approximately $1,590 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Indiana
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Indiana
Register or enroll through an approved plumbing apprenticeship program and complete the required four-year program of supervised practical training and related instruction. Apply to the Indiana Plumbing Commission and pass the Journeyman Plumber examination.
Alternative eligibility may be available to applicants who hold an out-of-state plumbing license and can document qualifying experience. Plumbing Contractors must meet the Commission’s contractor-level experience and examination requirements.
Plumbing Theory & Indiana Plumbing Code
Students study plumbing principles, Indiana Plumbing Code requirements, water distribution systems, sanitary drainage, venting, fixture installation, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training includes potable water systems, sanitary drainage, vent piping, storm drainage, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, and plumbing system troubleshooting.
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Programs emphasize commercial plumbing installations, hydronic systems, industrial piping, medical gas systems, process piping, and backflow prevention.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Apprentices learn plumbing layout, blueprint interpretation, copper soldering, brazing, threaded piping, cast iron installation, plastic piping systems, and plumbing fixture installation.
Safety & OSHA Practices
Training covers confined-space awareness, trench safety, lockout/tagout procedures, fall protection, personal protective equipment, and safe plumbing installation practices.
Plumber Training Providers in Indiana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis | Indianapolis | View Program |
| Ivy Tech Community College Fort Wayne | Fort Wayne | View Program |
| Ivy Tech Community College Evansville | Evansville | View Program |
| Vincennes University | Vincennes | View Program |
| Indiana University Kokomo | Kokomo | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Indiana
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Indiana
Indiana regulates plumbing professionals through the Indiana Plumbing Commission under the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA). Individuals performing regulated plumbing work must hold the appropriate state-issued plumbing license or apprentice registration.
Indiana issues Apprentice Plumber Registration, Journeyman Plumber License, Plumbing Contractor License, and other specialty registrations. Most candidates begin as apprentices, complete supervised work experience, and pass the Indiana Journeyman Plumber examination before performing plumbing work independently.
Indiana regulates plumbing apprentices, Journeyman Plumbers, and Plumbing Contractors through the Indiana Plumbing Commission. Apprentices must work through an approved pathway, while Journeyman and Contractor applicants must satisfy the applicable experience, examination, and application requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Indiana
Indiana continues to experience strong demand for plumbers because of advanced manufacturing, automotive production, commercial construction, healthcare expansion, logistics, warehousing, higher education, utilities, and residential development.
Indianapolis remains the state's largest employment market, while Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Lafayette, and Bloomington continue generating opportunities in commercial construction, manufacturing, healthcare facilities, institutional buildings, and infrastructure projects.
Large automotive plants, pharmaceutical manufacturing, distribution centers, and public infrastructure improvements are expected to support long-term demand for licensed plumbers throughout Indiana.
Indiana projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,150 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Indiana?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Indiana is approximately $64,560 per year, or $31.04 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Indiana require plumber licensing?
Yes. Indiana requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Indiana Plumbing Commission.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Indiana?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in Indiana?
Indiana projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,150 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Indiana Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Indiana Plumber Wages
- Indiana Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Indiana Plumber Employment Trends
- Indiana Plumbing Commission — Licensing authority. Indiana Plumbing Commission