Construction & Real Estate Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Architect Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median architect salary in Indianapolis, IN is $77,041 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$77,041
vs State Avg
+$2,485
vs National
$-5,799
Cost of Living
93%

Architect Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median architect salary of $77,041, which is $2,485 above the Indiana state average of $74,556. Compared to the national median of $82,840, 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 architects in Indianapolis spans from $46,500 at the 10th percentile to $137,640 at the 90th percentile — a $91,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,360, while senior architects with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,200. 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.

Architect Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level architect earns around $48,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,050
$-5,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,200
$-9,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $46,500
25th Percentile $59,520
Median (50th) $77,041
75th Percentile $104,160
90th Percentile $137,640

Architect Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$86,982
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$70,414
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$69,586
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$68,757
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Architect in Indianapolis

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Indianapolis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open architect positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Architect make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median architect salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $77,041 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $46,500 (10th percentile) to $137,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,041, a architect in Indianapolis earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for architect pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median architect salary of $77,041 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $74,556. 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 architect salary of $77,041 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Indianapolis? ▼
Most architect positions in Indianapolis require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.