Creative & Education Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

College Professor Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median college professor salary in Indianapolis, IN is $78,008 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$78,008
vs State Avg
+$2,516
vs National
$-5,872
Cost of Living
93%

College Professor Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median college professor salary of $78,008, which is $2,516 above the Indiana state average of $75,492. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 college professors in Indianapolis spans from $41,850 at the 10th percentile to $156,240 at the 90th percentile — a $114,390 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,640, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $148,800. 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.

College Professor Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level college professor earns around $44,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $148,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,980
$-6,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$148,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $41,850
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $78,008
75th Percentile $111,600
90th Percentile $156,240

College Professor Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$88,074
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$71,298
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$70,459
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$69,620
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a College Professor in Indianapolis

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Indianapolis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open college professor positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a College Professor make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median college professor salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $78,008 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $41,850 (10th percentile) to $156,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,008, a college professor in Indianapolis earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for college professor pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median college professor salary of $78,008 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $75,492. 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 college professor salary of $78,008 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Indianapolis? ▼
Most college professor positions in Indianapolis require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.