Trade Careers in Indiana
Updated August 4, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Indiana's skilled trades are growing-from electricians in Indianapolis to HVAC and plumbing installers across the state. With expanding infrastructure, industrial growth, and workforce investment, opportunities are rising steadily.
If you're seeking hands‑on work, reliable wages, and career growth without a four‑year degree, this guide will help you get started.
🏙️ Why Trade Careers Are Thriving in Indiana
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship Scale | Over 86,500 apprentices since 2014 in Indiana programs1 |
| Economic Growth | Manufacturing, healthcare, and housing sectors need trade talent |
| Trade Demand | HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services remain essential year-round |
| Workforce Incentives | DOL grants expanding apprenticeship infrastructure statewide[^15] |
“Registered Apprenticeship is a structured training strategy combining on‑the‑job learning, classroom instruction, and mentorship.” - Indiana DWD2
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Indiana
| Trade | Median Salary (May 2024)[^10] | Projected Growth¹ | Training Time | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,350 | ~11% | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes |
| HVAC Technician | $59,810 | ~9% | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes |
| Plumber | $62,970 | ~6% | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes |
| Welder | ~$48-55K (est.) | ~3% | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional |
| Solar Installer | ~$47K (national typ.) | ~14% | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional |
| Carpenter | ~$46-58K (regionally varied) | ~4% | 6-24 months | ❌ No |
| Mold Inspector | ~$50-55K (cert-adjusted) | ~5% | 1-6 months | ❌ No (cert optional) |
¹ Job growth projections are based on national BLS estimates through 2033 :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
🧰 Indiana Apprenticeships & Training
Registered apprenticeship programs in Indiana are managed through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and local Registered Apprenticeship partners.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid work + classroom instruction, certified by DOL |
| Technical College | 6-24 months | HVAC, welding, electrical, plumbing certificates |
| On‑the‑Job Training | Varies | Offered by employers in solar, carpentry, and misc trades |
As of March 31, 2025, Indiana has supported over 86,500 apprentices across more than 1,500 occupations1 and received nearly $1.28M in DOL expansion grants in 2025[^15].
🏫 Trade Schools in Indiana
Indiana technical colleges and trade schools across Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, Bloomington, and beyond offer fast-track programs aligned with workforce demand. Many qualify for state grants or federal WIOA funding.
🏛️ Indiana Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (electrical journeyman/master license) |
| Plumber | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (plumbing contractor licenses) |
| HVAC Technician | HVAC-mandated licenses via Indiana P.L.A. and local jurisdictions |
| Solar Installer | May require licensed electrical contractor status depending on scope |
| Mold Inspector | No state license required; national certifications (like IICRC) recommended |
📈 Indiana Trade Career Outlook
Indiana's trade wages align with or exceed national medians:
- Electricians: $62,350 median salary and ~11% projected growth by 2033 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- HVAC Technicians: $59,810 median salary with ~9% projected growth :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Plumbers/Pipefitters: $62,970 median with ~6% projected growth :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The strong grant funding and apprenticeship scale suggest continued investment in Indiana's skilled workforce infrastructure.
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Indiana?
Choose your trade, research apprenticeship programs or trade school pathways, and tap into state and federal funding options. Indiana's skilled trades are expanding-and now is the time to begin your journey.
📚 Citations
-
U.S. Dept. of Labor State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grant: Indiana received $1,281,731 base and ~$4.97M competitive in June 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7} ↩ ↩
-
Indiana DWD Office of Work-Based Learning & Apprenticeship overview (86,500+ apprentices since 2014) :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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