How to Become a Plumber in Indiana

If you live in the State of Indiana and you consider having a lucrative occupation, you could consider becoming a plumber.

If you don’t know much about this occupation and how to get started, you came to the right page!

We’ll give you a short job presentation, salary info, as well as the steps you need to take for your new career!

Plumber Job Description and Requirements

In the past, plumbers used to work with lead.

Most of this metal was found in the sewage system of the cities.

Most of the plumbers you ever saw these days probably repaired your water supply and sewage system.

However, they’re qualified to perform a variety of tasks on all systems that use pipes, including the gas pipes.

They generally install, repair, and maintain these systems.

For this they need:

• To read blueprints
• To follow instructions
• To measure
• To cut
• To solder
• To adhere to safety measures

To become a plumber, an individual has to:

• Undergo training and get licensed
• Know English
• Have the right to work in the US
• Be at least 18 years old
• Know math
• Know science

There are three types of plumbers in Indiana:

• Apprentices
• Journeymen
• Contractors

Training as a Plumber

Apprentices are those who learn the trade.

They usually hold paid positions and they work under supervision.

The supervisor can be either the journeyman or the contractor plumber.

The apprenticeship period has to be at least 4 years long and is composed of:

• 7,600 hours of on-the-job training
• 576 hours of school-related training

These hours will be spread evenly over the apprenticeship period.

You can become an apprentice plumber at the age of 17.

The apprenticeship can be done directly with an employer or by attending a vocational school first.

Apprentices need to register with the Indiana Plumbing Commission Board and this process costs $10.

The registration has to be renewed, and this also costs $10.

Becoming a Plumber Journeyman

Once the apprenticeship period is over you can consider becoming a journeyman plumber.

These professionals construct, install, alter, maintain, repair, remodel, or remove and replace plumbing systems, but are not in charge of the project.

They work under the supervision and direction of a licensed plumbing contractor who also holds the responsibility for the work done.

The requirements are:

• At least 18 years old
• Complete the apprenticeship OR be licensed in a different state
• A passport-size picture
• Pay the appropriate fees
• Fill out the application form
• Pass a background check
• Pass the exam

You need proof for the completed apprenticeship or the active plumbing license.

The fees are for the exam itself, $30, and for the issuance of the license which varies as follows:

• $15 for an odd year issuance;
• $30 for an even year issuance;

For the exam you have 3 hours to answer 90  questions that cover:

• Developed Length/Isometric Analysis
• Fixtures
• General Requirements
• Indiana Business
• Sanitary Drainage
• Storm Water Systems
• Vents
• Water Heaters
• Water Supply and Distribution

If you fail, you can retake the exam 6 times in 2 years, but you need to reapply 10 days after failing.

Becoming a Contracting Plumber

Contractor plumbers are the ones who can bid on plumbing works and they’re responsible for the project.

There are a few requirements to meet before becoming a plumber.

These are:

• Being at least 18 years old
• At least 4 years of supervised experience OR a license in a different state
• Pass a background check
• A passport-size photo
• Pay the application fee
• Fill out the application form
• The current and active plumbing license
• Pay for and pass the exam

The fee for the exam is $50.

The exam to obtain the contractor’s license is 3 hours long and has 90 questions.

The topics are the same as for the journeyman exam.

The fee to issue the license in an odd year is $50 and in an even year, it is $100.

You can obtain a temporary license if you pay the $25 fee.

You’ll have to renew your permanent license every 2 years and the associated fee is $50.

Plumber Salary Information for Indiana

As mentioned, you’ll start getting paid as soon as you become an apprentice.

Your salary will of course be lower compared to that of a journeyman, but it will steadily increase as you gain experience.

In cities like Hammond and Gary, the average salary of a plumber is higher than the $56,159 per year representing the average yearly pay in this state.

Regional Salary in Indiana

Additional Information

Plumbers can work in different settings:

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial
• Outdoor spaces

They can also join local unions which generally has more advantages than disadvantages.

Among the reasons you should join, you have:

• Higher earnings
• Retirement plan
• Healthcare insurance

However, having to pay a union membership fee and having to follow the decisions the union makes regardless of how you feel about them, could make you rethink this option.

Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Indiana

Plumbing License by City

Plumbing License by State