Engineering Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median aerospace engineer salary in Indianapolis, IN is $117,998 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$117,998
vs State Avg
+$3,806
vs National
$-8,882
Cost of Living
93%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $117,998, which is $3,806 above the Indiana state average of $114,192. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Indianapolis pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Indianapolis's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Indianapolis spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $178,560 at the 90th percentile — a $106,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,400, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,050. As a major metro area with a population of 887,642, Indianapolis typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $74,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,050
$-12,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $72,540
25th Percentile $93,000
Median (50th) $117,998
75th Percentile $148,800
90th Percentile $178,560

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Indiana Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Indianapolis

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Indianapolis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $117,998 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $178,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,998, a aerospace engineer in Indianapolis earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median aerospace engineer salary of $117,998 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $114,192. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
Indianapolis has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $117,998 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Indianapolis? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Indianapolis require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.