Construction & Real Estate Indiana (IN) Rank #34 of 50

Architect Salary in Indiana

The median architect salary in Indiana is $74,556 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$74,556
vs National
$-8,284
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Architect Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Architect salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $74,556 per year, architects in Indiana earn $8,284 less than the national median of $82,840.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $74,556 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $82,840 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $45,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $133,200 — a $88,200 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Indiana for this role is Carmel, where the median reaches $86,982.

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for architects across the country.

Architect Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level architect earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,000 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $74,556
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $133,200

Architect Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for architects in Indiana include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, and South Bend. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Architect in Indiana

Education

Most architect positions require a bachelor's degree. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Indiana

How much does a Architect make in Indiana? ▼
The median architect salary in Indiana is $74,556 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,556, a architect in Indiana earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for architects? ▼
Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $46,800, while senior professionals earn $126,000.
How does Indiana compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Indiana's median of $74,556 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($76,213) and Louisiana ($75,384).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level architect in Indiana earns approximately $46,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $76,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $126,000.
What city in Indiana pays architects the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for architects, with a median salary of $86,982. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.