Science & Research Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Physicist Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median physicist salary in Indianapolis, IN is $141,760 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$141,760
vs State Avg
+$4,573
vs National
$-10,670
Cost of Living
93%

Physicist Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median physicist salary of $141,760, which is $4,573 above the Indiana state average of $137,187. Compared to the national median of $152,430, 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 physicists in Indianapolis spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $221,340 at the 90th percentile — a $148,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,260, while senior physicists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $204,600. 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.

Physicist Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level physicist earns around $76,260, while experienced professionals earn up to $204,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,150
$-10,850 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$204,600
$-15,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $72,540
25th Percentile $100,440
Median (50th) $141,760
75th Percentile $181,350
90th Percentile $221,340

Physicist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$160,052
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$129,566
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$128,041
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$126,517
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Physicist in Indianapolis

Education

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

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, physicist 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 Physicist Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open physicist positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Physicist Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Physicist make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median physicist salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $141,760 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $152,430. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $221,340 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physicist make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $141,760, a physicist in Indianapolis earns approximately $68 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for physicist pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median physicist salary of $141,760 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $137,187. 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 physicist salary of $141,760 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physicist in Indianapolis? ▼
Most physicist positions in Indianapolis require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Mathematical Modeling, Experimental Physics, Python/MATLAB, Data Analysis. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.