Skilled Trade · Indianapolis, IN

How to become an electrician in Indianapolis

$18–$28/hr (apprentice) · $30–$45/hr (journeyman) Free guide — no signup required

Why this pathApprentices in Indianapolis earn while they learn — no upfront tuition through IBEW Local 481. Major employers include Duke Energy Indiana and AES Indiana.

Common starting roles

Electrical ApprenticeElectrician HelperMaintenance Tech (Electrical)

Step-by-step roadmap

Start as a paid apprentice

Apply to IBEW Local 481 (union) or ABC Indiana (non-union). Apprentices start around $18/hr with raises every 6–12 months. You earn while you learn — no upfront tuition required.

⏱ 4–6 year program💲 Paid from day one — no tuition

↗ IBEW Local 481 — Indianapolis — Union apprenticeship. Indianapolis's primary union electrical local.↗ ABC Indiana — Non-union option. Also paid from day one.

Complete ~8,000 hours of on-the-job training

Log hours under a licensed journeyman or master electrician. The IBEW program structures this across the full apprenticeship — you're always on a real jobsite.

⏱ ~4 years💲 Paid

Complete classroom instruction (NEC + theory)

144–720 hours of classroom training over 4 years: National Electrical Code, electrical theory, motor controls, blueprint reading, and safety.

⏱ Concurrent with on-the-job hours💲 Included

Pass the Indianapolis journeyman exam

Indianapolis (Marion County) administers its own journeyman exam — ~70% NEC, 15% theory, 15% state/local code. Indiana licenses electricians by city, not statewide.

⏱ Weeks of study + 1 day exam💲 $100–$300

↗ Indianapolis Dept of Business & Neighborhood Services — Exam schedule, fees, and license renewal.

Get licensed and earn journeyman wages

With your journeyman license you work independently at $30–$45/hr depending on specialty and union/non-union status.

⏱ Ongoing💲 License fees vary

Optional

24 hours of continuing education every 3 years

Required by Indiana to keep your journeyman electrician license current.

⏱ Ongoing💲 $100–$400 per cycle

Optional

Optional: Become a Master Electrician

After 4 years licensed, sit for the Master Electrician exam — lets you supervise teams, pull permits, and run your own contracting business.

⏱ 4+ years as journeyman first💲 $700–$800 in fees

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Frequently asked questions

How much does a Electrician make in Indianapolis?

$18–$28/hr (apprentice) · $30–$45/hr (journeyman). Apprentices in Indianapolis earn while they learn — no upfront tuition through IBEW Local 481. Major employers include Duke Energy Indiana and AES Indiana.

How much does it cost to become a Electrician?

Typical out-of-pocket costs in Indiana: Pass the Indianapolis journeyman exam: $100–$300; Get licensed and earn journeyman wages: License fees vary. Many programs are employer-paid or covered by Indiana WorkOne grants for eligible Hoosiers — always ask before paying out of pocket.

How long does it take?

Start as a paid apprentice (4–6 year program); Complete ~8,000 hours of on-the-job training (~4 years); Complete classroom instruction (NEC + theory) (Concurrent with on-the-job hours); Pass the Indianapolis journeyman exam (Weeks of study + 1 day exam); Get licensed and earn journeyman wages (Ongoing).

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Requirements verified against official Indiana and federal sources (Indiana Dept of Health, FMCSA, Indiana BMV, Indianapolis DBNS). Last reviewed May 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us.