Legal Indiana (IN) Rank #34 of 50

Lawyer Salary in Indiana

The median lawyer salary in Indiana is $122,166 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary
$122,166
vs National
$-13,574
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Lawyer Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for lawyer compensation. Lawyer salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $122,166 per year, lawyers in Indiana earn $13,574 less than the national median of $135,740.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $122,166 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $135,740 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: lawyers at the 10th percentile earn $58,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $215,280 — a $156,780 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 $142,527.

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for lawyers across the country.

Lawyer Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level lawyer earns around $63,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,000 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,000
$-22,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $58,500
25th Percentile $76,500
Median (50th) $122,166
75th Percentile $167,400
90th Percentile $215,280

Lawyer Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for lawyers 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 Lawyer in Indiana

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Indiana

How much does a Lawyer make in Indiana? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Indiana is $122,166 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $58,500 (10th percentile) to $215,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $122,166, a lawyer in Indiana earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for lawyers? ▼
Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for lawyer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level lawyers earn $63,000, while senior professionals earn $198,000.
How does Indiana compare to other states for lawyer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for lawyers is Hawaii at $230,758. Indiana's median of $122,166 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($124,881) and Louisiana ($123,523).
What is the entry-level lawyer salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level lawyer in Indiana earns approximately $63,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $124,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $198,000.
What city in Indiana pays lawyers the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for lawyers, with a median salary of $142,527. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.