Healthcare Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Registered Nurse Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median registered nurse salary in Indianapolis, IN is $75,535 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$75,535
vs State Avg
+$2,437
vs National
$-5,685
Cost of Living
93%

Registered Nurse Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median registered nurse salary of $75,535, which is $2,437 above the Indiana state average of $73,098. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 registered nurses in Indianapolis spans from $53,382 at the 10th percentile to $112,344 at the 90th percentile — a $58,962 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,940, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,950. 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.

Registered Nurse Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $53,940, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,940
$-4,060 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,260
$-5,740 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,950
$-8,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $53,382
25th Percentile $62,124
Median (50th) $75,535
75th Percentile $94,023
90th Percentile $112,344

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$85,281
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$69,037
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$68,225
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$67,413
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Indianapolis

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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 Registered Nurse Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open registered nurse positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $75,535 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $53,382 (10th percentile) to $112,344 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,535, a registered nurse in Indianapolis earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Indianapolis compare to the Indiana state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median registered nurse salary of $75,535 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $73,098. 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 registered nurse salary of $75,535 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Indianapolis? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Indianapolis require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.