Engineering Indiana (IN) Rank #35 of 50

Civil Engineer Salary in Indiana

The median civil engineer salary in Indiana is $80,946 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,940.

Median Salary
$80,946
vs National
$-8,994
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Civil Engineer Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #35 out of 50 states for civil engineer compensation. Civil Engineer salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $80,946 per year, civil engineers in Indiana earn $8,994 less than the national median of $89,940.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $80,946 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $89,940 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: civil engineers at the 10th percentile earn $54,360, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,740 — a $70,380 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 $94,437.

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for civil engineers across the country.

Civil Engineer Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level civil engineer earns around $55,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $117,000 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,800
$-6,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,000
$-9,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$117,000
$-13,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $54,360
25th Percentile $65,880
Median (50th) $80,946
75th Percentile $102,600
90th Percentile $124,740

Civil Engineer Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for civil engineers 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 Civil Engineer in Indiana

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCADStructural AnalysisProject ManagementGISConstruction ManagementPE License

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, civil engineer employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer Salary in Indiana

How much does a Civil Engineer make in Indiana? ▼
The median civil engineer salary in Indiana is $80,946 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $89,940. Salaries range from $54,360 (10th percentile) to $124,740 (90th percentile).
How much does a Civil Engineer make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,946, a civil engineer in Indiana earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for civil engineers? ▼
Indiana ranks #35 out of 50 states for civil engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level civil engineers earn $55,800, while senior professionals earn $117,000.
How does Indiana compare to other states for civil engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for civil engineers is Hawaii at $152,898. Indiana's median of $80,946 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($82,745) and Louisiana ($81,845).
What is the entry-level civil engineer salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level civil engineer in Indiana earns approximately $55,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $117,000.
What city in Indiana pays civil engineers the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for civil engineers, with a median salary of $94,437. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.