Technology Indiana (IN) Rank #35 of 50

Software Engineer Salary in Indiana

The median software engineer salary in Indiana is $109,296 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $124,200.

Median Salary
$109,296
vs National
$-14,904
State Rank
#35 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Software Engineer Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #35 out of 50 states for software engineer compensation. Software Engineer salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $109,296 per year, software engineers in Indiana earn $14,904 less than the national median of $124,200.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $109,296 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $121,440 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: software engineers at the 10th percentile earn $65,648, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $174,750 — a $109,102 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 $127,926.

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Indiana and beyond.

Software Engineer Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level software engineer earns around $68,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,640
$-9,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,000
$-15,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $65,648
25th Percentile $86,416
Median (50th) $109,296
75th Percentile $139,216
90th Percentile $174,750

Software Engineer Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for software engineers 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 Software Engineer in Indiana

Education

Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonJavaScriptSQLGitCloud PlatformsSystem Design

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer Salary in Indiana

How much does a Software Engineer make in Indiana? ▼
The median software engineer salary in Indiana is $109,296 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $124,200. Salaries range from $65,648 (10th percentile) to $174,750 (90th percentile).
How much does a Software Engineer make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $109,296, a software engineer in Indiana earns approximately $53 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for software engineers? ▼
Indiana ranks #35 out of 50 states for software engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level software engineers earn $68,640, while senior professionals earn $162,800.
How does Indiana compare to other states for software engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for software engineers is Hawaii at $204,930. Indiana's median of $109,296 ranks #35 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($111,780) and Tennessee ($110,538).
What is the entry-level software engineer salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level software engineer in Indiana earns approximately $68,640 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $110,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $162,800.
What city in Indiana pays software engineers the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for software engineers, with a median salary of $127,926. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.