Trade Careers in Indiana
Quick answer: In Indiana, electrical line installers earn a median of $102,040 and elevator mechanics $92,390 (BLS, May 2025), making them two of the highest-paying trades in the state. Most trades are entered through a registered apprenticeship or a trade-school program, and you can start with a high school diploma or GED. Licensing for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work is handled by the state agencies listed further down this page.
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 support expanding apprenticeship infrastructure statewide[^15] |
“Registered Apprenticeship is a structured training strategy combining on-the-job learning, classroom instruction, and mentorship.” (Indiana DWD)2
Compare Skilled Trades in Indiana
| Trade | Median Salary | Training Time | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $62,870 | 6 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Construction Worker | $50,070 | 3–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) |
| Flooring Installer | $50,720 | 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Plumber | $76,320 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| Welder | $49,730 | 6–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (AWS certification preferred) |
| Construction Manager | $106,390 | 2–4 years (degree or field experience) | Varies (contractor license in many states) |
| Home Inspector | $62,850 | 2–6 months (state-approved course) | Yes in many states (state license) |
| Mold Inspector | N/A | 3–12 months (coursework + field hours) | Varies (state license or industry certification) |
| Electrician | $68,490 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| HVAC Technician | $60,430 | 6 months – 2 years (certificate or associate) | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) |
| Lineworker | $102,040 | 3–4 years (joint apprenticeship) | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) |
| Solar Installer | $46,140 | 3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) |
| Tower Technician | $60,840 | 3–9 months (tower climbing school + field training) | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $76,680 | 1–2 years (associate or technical diploma) | Yes (industry safety certifications) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $63,400 | 18–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) | Yes (FAA A&P license) |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,360 | 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| Automotive Technician | $49,360 | 9–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| CNC Machinist | $57,800 | 9–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) |
| Diesel Technician | $60,610 | 1–2 years (associate or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) |
| Gunsmith | $61,350 | 6–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $79,580 | 6–12 months (trade school or union program) | Optional (CDL required for many roles) |
| Maintenance Technician | $49,890 | 6–12 months (trade school or on-the-job) | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $60,290 | 3–6 months (CDL program) | Yes (CDL Class A or B) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $38,330 | 4–12 weeks (state-approved program) | Yes (state CNA exam) |
| Patient Care Technician | $38,330 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $47,960 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) |
| Home Health Aide | $35,060 | 3–6 months (training + competency exam) | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) |
| Medical Assistant | $45,110 | 9–12 months (certificate or diploma) | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) |
| Mental Health Technician | $40,910 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical experience) | Varies (state registration + employer training) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $65,720 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $65,720 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Dental Assistant | $48,670 | 9–18 months (diploma or associate program) | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) |
| EKG Technician | $79,380 | 3–9 months (certificate program) | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $44,560 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $39,250 | 4–6 months (certificate + clinical practice) | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $77,640 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $85,040 | 18–24 months (accredited associate or certificate) | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $45,210 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,240 | 12–24 months (accredited surgical tech program) | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) |
| Optician | $39,370 | 9–24 months (apprenticeship or associate) | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $47,670 | 9–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $44,060 | 9–18 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $66,660 | 2 years (accredited associate degree) | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $35,100 | 3–12 months (certificate or employer training) | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) |
| Massage Therapist | $55,590 | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state license) |
| Personal Trainer | $34,960 | 3–6 months (exam prep + practicum) | Yes (national certification required by many employers) |
| Dog Trainer | $45,270 | 6–12 months (mentorship or certificate) | Optional (industry certifications preferred) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $36,420 | 6–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) |
| Veterinary Technician | $48,720 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (VTNE and state license) |
| Beauty Professional | $32,830 | 9–15 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Cosmetologist | $32,830 | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Esthetician | $44,450 | 4–9 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state esthetics license) |
| Culinary Chef | $36,295 | 1–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) |
| Pastry Chef | $36,295 | 9–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) |
| Bookkeeper | $47,820 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) |
| Digital Court Reporter | $54,740 | 6–12 months (certificate program) | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) |
| Paralegal | $57,030 | 12–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Indiana).
Indiana Apprenticeships and 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 occupations, alongside new federal workforce initiatives.
Trade Schools in Indiana
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
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Plumber | 4.5% |
| Carpenter | 4.5% |
| Flooring Installer | 9.5% |
| Construction Worker | 7.3% |
| Welder | 2.2% |
Construction Management & Inspection
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | 8.7% |
| Home Inspector | -0.8% |
Electrical & Energy Systems
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Lineworker | 6.6% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | 49.9% |
| Electrician | 9.5% |
| Tower Technician | 8.6% |
| HVAC Technician | 8.1% |
| Solar Installer | 42.1% |
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 3.6% |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | 4.0% |
| Gunsmith | 2.0% |
| Diesel Technician | 2.4% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | 4.0% |
| CNC Machinist | 0.0% |
| Maintenance Technician | 3.8% |
| Auto Mechanic | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | 4.2% |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | 2.6% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | 5.2% |
| Medical Assistant | 12.5% |
| Mental Health Technician | 20.0% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 2.3% |
| Patient Care Technician | 2.3% |
| Home Health Aide | 17.0% |
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | 13.0% |
| EKG Technician | 3.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | 4.3% |
| Surgical Technologist | 4.5% |
| Dental Assistant | 6.4% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 10.0% |
| Pharmacy Technician | 6.4% |
| Optician | 2.9% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 5.6% |
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | 7.1% |
| Medical Office Administrator | 4.2% |
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 19.2% |
| Massage Therapist | 15.4% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2.8% |
| Personal Trainer | 11.9% |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | 9.1% |
| Dog Trainer | 5.1% |
| Veterinary Assistant | 8.7% |
Beauty & Personal Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Esthetician | 6.7% |
| Beauty Professional | 5.6% |
| Cosmetologist | 5.6% |
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | 7.1% |
| Pastry Chef | 7.1% |
Business & Legal Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Paralegal | 0.2% |
| Digital Court Reporter | -0.3% |
| Bookkeeper | -5.8% |
Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.
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
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.