- Indiana’s electrician jobs are set to grow 7% from 2020 to 2030.
- The annual average salary of Indiana electricians is $62,300.
- Licenses vary by city. Indianapolis requires 6 years of experience, while Fort Wayne requires 8 for master status.
- Gain 8,000 hours of hands-on training over 4 years to qualify for journeyman exams.
- Indiana doesn’t have any reciprocity with other states.
With the demand for skilled electrical professionals continuing to rise, there’s never been a better time to start your electrical career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of electricians in Indiana is projected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for other occupations. And this growth is fueled by the state’s expanding construction projects, infrastructure upgrades, and the rising need for renewable energy installations. In 2025, the average annual salary for electricians in Indiana stands at $62,300, with journeymen electricians earning upwards of $55,000 to $60,000 per year and master electricians making an average of $78,000.
But how do you get started in this high-demand field? The path to becoming a licensed electrician in Indiana is well-defined but requires a combination of education, hands-on experience, and passing rigorous exams. Unlike many states that have a state-level system, Indiana has a unique licensing process. The licenses are managed at the city or county level, which means that requirements can vary depending on where you live or want to work. Whether you’re in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or another part of the state, understanding your local licensing rules is key to making it through the process smoothly.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to become a licensed electrician or electrical contractor in Indiana, covering everything from required training, apprenticeship programs, and exams to costs, salary expectations, and even working across state lines. Whether you’re an entry-level apprentice or an aspiring journeyman, this guide will clarify the steps and answer common questions in a logical, step-by-step format.
We will also discuss how much licensed electricians make in Indiana. Additionally, we’ll address some common questions, like what electrical work you can do without a license, or if you can pull permits as a homeowner for DIY projects. We will also explain which kinds of work require a licensed professional and permits under Indiana regulations. Finally, since many electricians consider work across state lines, we will cover which states accept an Indiana electrical license and vice versa. By the end of this guide, you will have a clear roadmap to start or advance your electrical career in Indiana.
Table of Contents
What Are The Different Types Of Indiana Electrical Licenses?
Indiana requires a license to perform electrical work, but these licenses are not issued by a statewide board. Instead, each local municipality or county in Indiana sets its own electrician licensing requirements. In other words, there is no single Indiana state electrician license. The state defers to local city and county licensing boards for regulating electricians. This means the exact process to get licensed can vary depending on where you live or plan to work. Major cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend each have their own licensing boards and criteria, though the overall pathway is similar.
Generally, Indiana locales recognize three main categories of electricians, including apprentice, journeyman (or Residential Electrician), and Master Electrician, as well as an Electrical Contractor license for business owners. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the Indiana electrician license categories:
Apprentice Electrician
If you are just starting out your career, you need to register with the local board as an apprentice electrician. However, this is not a full license but a status while gaining hands-on training after enrolling in a registered apprenticeship program.
Journeyman Electrician/Residential Electrician
A journeyman is a fully qualified electrician who can work independently, typically on a wide range of electrical projects. In some Indiana cities, a Residential Electrician license is a similar credential specifically limited to performing residential electrical work. For example, Indianapolis offers a “Residential Electrician” license, whereas other areas use a “Journeyman Electrician License” for general work. You are required to have several years of work experience and pass a journeyman electrician exam.
Master Electrician
A master electrician is the most experienced tradesperson and is qualified to work on any electrical systems and pull permits for work. Masters have typically spent additional years in the field beyond journeyman level and passed a more advanced exam. Many jurisdictions require a master license if you want to pull permits or supervise other electricians. For instance, in Fort Wayne (Allen County), you must have eight years of experience (including four years as a licensed journeyman) to even take the master electrician exam. Master electricians often take on larger or more complex projects, and are a prerequisite for becoming an independent contractor in some cities.
Electrical Contractor
An electrical contractor license is essentially the business license for running an electrical contracting company. As a licensed electrical contractor, you can advertise services, hire electricians, and engage in contracts with the public. Typically, to obtain an electrical contractor license in Indiana, you or someone in your company must already hold a master electrician license. Some additional requirements usually include business insurance (general liability insurance, bonding, workers’ compensation) and registering the business with the state. For example, Evansville requires contractor applicants to show proof of $1 million liability insurance and a $15,000 surety bond. And if you form a corporate entity for your business, Indiana law requires registering the company with the Indiana Secretary of State.
In order to understand how requirements can differ by location, let us compare two of Indiana’s largest cities, Indianapolis and Fort Wayne:
Indianapolis (Marion County): The Indianapolis Department of Business and Neighborhood Services (also known as the Department of Code Enforcement) handles electrician licensing. Indianapolis recognizes two license types for electricians, which are a Master (Unrestricted) and a Residential Electrician license. In order to qualify to take the Indianapolis residential electrician exam, you need at least 6 years of documented electrical work experience, even though up to 2 years of that may be substituted with college courses, trade school, or apprenticeship programs. You must also submit three customer reference letters and pass an interview before being allowed to sit for the exam. The exam requires a 75% passing score. Once you are licensed in Indy, you must follow the city’s renewal schedule. Indianapolis licenses are often renewed every 3 years.
Indianapolis does not issue a separate journeyman license by that name. The “Residential Electrician” license is a similar role for working electricians, while the “Master” is a higher level.
Fort Wayne (Allen County): In Fort Wayne and the surrounding Allen County, the local building department issues three tiers of licenses: Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Electrician. To become a journeyman in Fort Wayne, you need 4 years (around 8,000 hours) of work experience as a registered apprentice under a licensed electrician. To sit for the Fort Wayne master electrician exam, you must demonstrate 8 years of electrical work experience, with at least 4 of those years as a licensed journeyman. Fort Wayne’s master license must be renewed annually (every year), and if you let it lapse, you would have to retest to regain it. Unlike some areas, Fort Wayne currently does not mandate continuing education for renewals. Also, any electrical contractor performing work in Allen County must either be a master electrician themselves or employ a master electrician to oversee work.
From this example, it is understandable that the core requirements, which are thousands of hours of experience plus an exam, are similar across Indiana, but the exact number of years and administrative steps (letters of reference, interviews, etc.) can vary by city. So, you should always check your local city or county electrician board for specifics.
How To Become A Licensed Electrician in Indiana?
Becoming a licensed electrician in Indiana is a multi-year journey that involves education, hands-on experience, and testing. Here is a more detailed process of obtaining an electrician’s license in Indiana:
Step 1: Meet The Basic Requirements
To start an electrical career, you usually need to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. High school courses in math (algebra) and physics can provide a good foundation. Having a valid driver’s license is also important, as many apprenticeship applications or license applications will ask for ID, and you’ll need to travel to job sites.
Step 2: Enroll In A Training Or Apprenticeship Program
To start your electrical career, enrolling in an apprenticeship program is the traditional path to becoming a journeyman electrician. In Indiana, apprenticeships typically last 4 to 5 years. As an apprentice, you will work under the supervision of licensed electricians and also attend classroom training. Another option is to attend a technical college or trade school electrical program. A full-time electrical trade school program can take about 1 to 2 years to complete for a diploma or an Associate’s degree. Some cities might allow you to substitute a portion of the required work experience with education.
Step 3: Work As An Apprentice And Accumulate The Required Hours
Indiana municipalities usually require around 4 years (about 8,000 hours) of on-the-job training (OJT) to qualify for a journeyman-level license. You have to work as a full-time apprentice under the supervision of a licensed journeyman or master electrician and must maintain documentation of your work experience. Many jurisdictions require a letter from your employer or a log verifying your hours when you apply for the license exam. In parallel with work experience, you will also need related classroom training. Typically, Indiana apprentices complete 144-150 hours of classroom instruction per year during a four-year apprenticeship, which is roughly 576 hours of class time on electrical theory, wiring methods, the National Electrical Code (NEC), mathematics for electricians, safety, and specialized topics.
Step 4: Apply For And Pass The Journeyman Licensing Exam
Once you have met your local jurisdiction’s requirements for training and experience, you can apply to take the journeyman or residential electrician exam. The application process typically involves submitting an application form to the city/county’s licensing board along with proof of your qualifications, like documentation of your work hours (or employer letters), evidence of classroom training or apprenticeship completion, copies of any training certificates or diplomas, and often personal references. Indianapolis, for example, requires a notarized employer letter confirming your years of trade experience and three reference letters from customers attesting to your electrical work, plus copies of any certifications or diplomas you have.
Many Indiana jurisdictions outsource the electrician exams to third-party testing services or national exams, so you might be taking a test administered by the International Code Council (ICC) or a testing company like PSI. In 2025, Indianapolis moved to using the ICC exams for its electrician licenses, and even offers an online proctored testing option so you can take the test from home.
The exam is usually open-book for the NEC codebook, which means you can reference the Code during the test, but you must be very familiar with it to finish in time. A passing score is often 70% or 75%, depending on the jurisdiction. For example, Evansville requires at least 70% to pass the journeyman exam, while Indianapolis expects 75% for its residential exam.
Step 5: Earn A Master Electrician License
While not everyone chooses to become a master electrician, this is the next level and often a prerequisite for being an independent contractor. After working for a period as a journeyman, you can apply for the master electrician exam. Many Indiana cities require around 2 to 4 more years of experience as a journeyman before you qualify for the master exam.
The master electrician exam is typically a bit longer or more comprehensive than the journeyman test, covering similar topics but at a deeper level. You might see more complex scenarios (larger services, electrical construction, industrial systems, supervising or planning installations). The passing scores remain around 70% to 75%. Once you pass, you will obtain a Master Electrician license. A master electrician in Indiana is often authorized to pull electrical permits from the city/county to start projects, and can supervise journeymen and apprentices. In some jurisdictions, master electricians also take on responsibility for ensuring work is up to code, and their name goes on permits as the license holder for a job.
Step 6: Become An Electrical Contractor
If you want to run your own electrical business, you will need to take the final step of obtaining an electrical contractor license. In many Indiana locales, only a master electrician or someone who employs a master electrician can get a contractor license. The contractor licensing process usually involves a separate application that focuses on business credentials. You may need to show proof of insurance (liability insurance amounts can be significant, minimum amount of $500,000), possibly a bond (Evansville requires a $15,000 surety bond), and sometimes workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees.
You will also need to register your business entity if you haven’t already. Indiana’s INBiz portal, through the Secretary of State, allows you to register an LLC, corporation, or business name online. The contractor license might not require an exam in some cases, but often, if you’ve passed the master exam, that is sufficient from a technical knowledge standpoint. Some states have a separate business or law exam for contractors, but cities like Indianapolis do not have an additional exam for an electrical contractor beyond having a qualified individual on staff.
How To Become An Electrician In Indiana With No Experience?
To become an electrician in Indiana with no experience, you need to get into a quality training program first. As mentioned earlier, in order to start your career, enroll in an apprenticeship program offered by a union or non-union organization, or attend a technical college or trade school electrical program, especially if you prefer a more academic start. Here is a more detailed explanation of the two common routes you can take to start your electric career:
Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeships are typically the traditional path to becoming a journeyman electrician. In Indiana, apprenticeships typically last 4 to 5 years. As an apprentice, you will work under the supervision of licensed electricians, earning an hourly wage, and will also attend classroom training. Some of the reputable programs include the union apprenticeships through the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and NECA, and non-union programs through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) or Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). For example, the IEC of Indiana and the ABC Indiana/Kentucky Chapter both offer state-approved apprenticeship training in the electrical trade.
On the union side, IBEW locals across Indiana (such as IBEW Local 481 in Indianapolis, Local 305 in Fort Wayne, Local 153 in South Bend, etc.) sponsor robust apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You may need to pass an aptitude test and interview to enter apprenticeships, but once you are in, these programs often provide debt-free education where you earn raises as you gain skills. Many apprenticeships also count toward an associate degree or other certification.
Trade School or Community College
You can also attend a technical college or trade school electrical program, especially if you prefer a more academic start. Indiana has several community colleges (like Ivy Tech and Vincennes University) and private trade schools that offer electrical technology programs. A full-time electrical trade school program can take about 1 to 2 years to complete for a diploma or an Associate’s Degree. For example, an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Electrical Technology is typically a 2-year program. These programs teach electrical theory, National Electrical Code, blueprint reading, and hands-on lab work. The benefit of a college program is that you get a solid knowledge base and sometimes credit toward the experience requirement for licensing. In Indianapolis, some apprenticeship programs are done in partnership with Ivy Tech, which means you can earn college credits during your apprenticeships. However, you would need tuition costs for trade school to apply, whereas apprenticeships will pay you.
On average, an electrical associate degree program from a technical school in Indiana might cost around $10,000–$15,000 in tuition. The upside is that higher education can later translate to higher wages or opportunities in specialized fields, though it’s not strictly required to become a journeyman or master electrician.
How Much Does It Cost To Become An Electrician In Indiana?
There are several factors, like education costs, exam fees, license application fees, etc., to consider when it comes to the overall cost of becoming an electrician in Indiana.
Let’s break down each of these factors in the table below:
Cost Category | Apprentice | Journeyman Electrician | Residential Electrician | Master Electrician | Electrical Contractor |
Education and Training | Nominal fees for hand tools, books, and dues | $10,000 – $15,000 if you are pursuing an electrical technology degree (2 years) | $10,000 – $15,000 for electrical technology degree (2 years) | $10,000 – $15,000 for electrical technology degree (2 years) | $10,000 – $15,000 for electrical technology degree (2 years) |
Books/Tools (Initial) | $500 for tools, multimeter, etc. | $500 for tools, multimeter, etc. | $500 for tools, multimeter, etc. | $500 for tools, multimeter, etc. | $500 for tools, multimeter, etc. |
Apprenticeship Costs | Often, minimal fees (some programs charge dues) | Paid apprenticeship with small fees for classes | Paid apprenticeship with small fees for classes | Paid apprenticeship with small fees for classes | Paid apprenticeship with small fees for classes |
Application Fee | Usually none or nominal | $30 – $100 (varies by city; e.g., Evansville charges $30) | $30 – $100 (similar to journeyman) | $100 – $300 (e.g., Evansville charges $300) | $100 – $300 (e.g., Indy contractor $247) |
Exam Fee | – | $75 – $100 (paid to exam provider like PSI/ICC) | $75 – $100 (paid to exam provider like PSI/ICC) | $100 – $150 (paid to exam provider like PSI/ICC) | N/A (if already a master electrician) |
Renewal Fee (Annual) | – | $50 – $100 (varies by city, e.g., Evansville $50) | $50 – $100 (same renewal fee as journeyman) | $50 – $150 (varies by city, e.g., Fort Wayne, $50/year) | $90 – $250 annually (e.g., Fort Wayne $90/year) |
Renewal Fee (Tri-Annual) | – | – | – | $50 – $150 (varies by city, e.g., 3-year cycle) | $247/3-year (Indianapolis prorated) |
Continuing Education (CE) Requirement | – | Required in some cities (e.g., 8 hours every 3 years) | Required in some cities (e.g., 8 hours every 3 years) | Required in some cities (e.g., 8 hours every 3 years) | N/A (unless you’re a contractor requiring license renewal) |
Liability Insurance (Contractors) | – | – | – | $500,000 or $1M coverage (costs vary: typically $500+ per year) | $500,000 or $1M coverage (costs vary: typically $500+ per year) |
Surety Bond (Contractors) | – | – | – | $15,000 bond (Evansville’s example) | $15,000 bond (Evansville’s example) |
Business Registration (LLC) | – | – | – | $90 (if registering an LLC or corporation with INBiz) | $90 (if registering an LLC or corporation with INBiz) |
How Much Does A Licensed Electrician Make in Indiana?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average (mean) annual wage for electricians in Indiana is about $62,300. Even though it is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living in Indiana is also lower than in many states. More importantly, electrician pay varies by experience level:
Apprentice Electricians: In Indiana, an electrician apprentice earns an average of around $21.75 per hour, with overtime adding about $6,000 annually. That’s about $45,000 per year if working full-time, plus overtime. The starting pay for first-year apprentices might be closer to $16–$17 per hour (the low end), and by the final year, some apprentices earn nearly $25–$29 per hour.
Journeyman Electricians: An Indiana journeyman electrician makes about $26–$27 per hour on average. That translates to roughly $55,000–$60,000 per year, plus overtime, which can add around $9,400 more per year on average. According to Indeed, the average base salary for an electrician in Indiana is $26.81/hr, with typical ranges from about $18 on the low end (entry-level or rural areas) up to $40 on the high end (experienced or in-demand specialties). In cities like Indianapolis or Fort Wayne, a journeyman might earn closer to the higher end due to greater demand and union scale rates.
Master Electricians: Master electricians are highly experienced and often take on supervisory roles, which offer higher pay. In Indiana, master electricians earn about $37–$38 per hour on average, which is roughly $78,000 per year if full-time. According to Indeed, master electricians earn an average of $37.73/hr in Indiana, with potential highs in the mid-$50s per hour for very experienced master’s or those running complex projects. Because many masters move into contracting or self-employment, their “salary” might not be hourly – they could be earning profits from projects or a set yearly salary if they are in management.
Electrical Contractors: The income of an electrical contractor depends on the success of the business. A licensed electrical contractor who runs their own small company might pay themselves a salary or simply take home profits. On average, an electrical contractor in Indiana, if we consider someone who is essentially a self-employed master electrician, might make in the range of $48,291 to $81,467 per year. According to a few data sources, an electrical contractor earns an average of $66,401 in parts of Indiana, but this varies widely.
Electricians in larger metropolitan areas such as Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Gary, or Evansville might see higher wages and more job openings, but they also have a slightly higher cost of living. Rural areas might have fewer big projects, but there’s still demand for residential and agricultural electrical work. There are some electricians who choose to travel to high-demand areas for short-term projects. For example, big industrial installations or commercial buildings, which can sometimes pay a premium.
Are Electricians In Demand In Indiana?
Yes, electricians are in demand in Indiana. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth in electrician jobs in Indiana from 2023 to 2033, which is a bit lower than the national projected growth of 11% but still healthy. There are several factors that are driving this demand. Ongoing construction in cities like Indianapolis, infrastructure upgrades, and a wave of retirements in the skilled trades are leaving openings for new electricians. In raw numbers, Indiana had about 17,370 electricians employed as of the latest count, and this number is expected to rise each year. According to O*NET, Indiana had roughly 15,180 electrician jobs in 2022, projected to increase to 16,310 by 2032.
Moreover, emerging industries are boosting demand. Indiana is seeing growth in manufacturing facilities, renewable energy projects like solar and wind installations, and data centers, all of which require skilled electricians for installation and maintenance. Because of this, electricians are in high demand in Indiana, and becoming an electrician offers a stable and rewarding career.
Can You Work As An Electrician Without A License In Indiana?
You cannot legally work as an electrician in Indiana without a license, except as an apprentice under supervision.
Homeowners can do limited electrical work on their own homes by pulling a homeowner permit and possibly passing a simple test, but they must follow the same code standards as a professional.
You must always check with your local building department if you are unsure, as they can tell you if a permit is required for a specific task. When in doubt, it’s safest to hire a licensed electrician for electrical projects to ensure everything is up to code and inspected.
What States Reciprocate With Indiana’s Electrical License?
As of 2025, Indiana itself does not offer or receive reciprocity. Since Indiana does not issue electrician licenses at the state level, there are no official reciprocity agreements between Indiana and any other state for electrician licenses. Reciprocity agreements are typically state-to-state agreements that allow an electrician licensed in one state to obtain a license in another without retesting.
So, if you are a licensed electrician in Indiana and want to work in another state, you will have to go through that state’s licensing process. There isn’t a shortcut where Indiana’s license will automatically grant you rights elsewhere. For example, say you have a Master Electrician license from the City of Fort Wayne, and you move to Ohio. Ohio has a state electrical licensing, so you’d need to apply to Ohio’s board, provide proof of your experience, and likely take the Ohio exam. They won’t waive the exam just because you’re licensed in Indiana, because there’s no reciprocity agreement in place.
Conclusion
Becoming a licensed electrician in Indiana requires dedication and time, but the rewards are plentiful. You’ll gain a respected trade, the ability to earn a strong income, and the satisfaction of building and maintaining the critical electrical infrastructure that powers our homes and businesses. The Indiana electrical license you earn is more than just a national electrician certification; it is a path to a demanding and rewarding career.
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