Business & Finance Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Economist Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median economist salary in Indianapolis, IN is $105,964 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$105,964
vs State Avg
+$3,418
vs National
$-7,976
Cost of Living
93%

Economist Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median economist salary of $105,964, which is $3,418 above the Indiana state average of $102,546. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Indianapolis spans from $57,660 at the 10th percentile to $184,140 at the 90th percentile — a $126,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,450, while senior economists 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.

Economist Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level economist earns around $60,450, 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)
$60,450
$-4,550 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,950
$-8,050 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,050
$-12,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $57,660
25th Percentile $76,260
Median (50th) $105,964
75th Percentile $144,150
90th Percentile $184,140

Economist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$119,637
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$96,849
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$95,710
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$94,570
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Economist in Indianapolis

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist 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 Economist Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open economist positions in Indianapolis, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Economist make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median economist salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $105,964 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $57,660 (10th percentile) to $184,140 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $105,964, a economist in Indianapolis earns approximately $51 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for economist pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median economist salary of $105,964 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $102,546. 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 economist salary of $105,964 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Indianapolis? ▼
Most economist positions in Indianapolis require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.