Construction & Real Estate Indiana (IN) Rank #34 of 50

Urban Planner Salary in Indiana

The median urban planner salary in Indiana is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,540.

Median Salary
$71,586
vs National
$-7,954
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Urban Planner Salary Overview in Indiana (2026)

Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for urban planner compensation. Urban Planner salaries in Indiana are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $71,586 per year, urban planners in Indiana earn $7,954 less than the national median of $79,540.

A key advantage of working in Indiana is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $71,586 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $79,540 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Indiana is significant: urban planners at the 10th percentile earn $45,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $109,800 — a $64,800 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 $83,517.

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for urban planners across the country.

Urban Planner Salary in Indiana by Experience

In Indiana, an entry-level urban planner earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The cost of living index in Indiana is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,900
$-8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,200
$-11,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Indiana

Percentile IN Salary
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $71,586
75th Percentile $90,000
90th Percentile $109,800

Urban Planner Salary by City in Indiana

The largest employment areas for urban planners 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 Urban Planner in Indiana

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Indiana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook in Indiana

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Indiana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Indiana

How much does a Urban Planner make in Indiana? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Indiana is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $109,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Indiana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,586, a urban planner in Indiana earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Indiana a good state for urban planners? ▼
Indiana ranks #34 out of 50 states for urban planner pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level urban planners earn $46,800, while senior professionals earn $106,200.
How does Indiana compare to other states for urban planner salary? ▼
The highest paying state for urban planners is Hawaii at $135,218. Indiana's median of $71,586 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($73,177) and Louisiana ($72,381).
What is the entry-level urban planner salary in Indiana? ▼
An entry-level urban planner in Indiana earns approximately $46,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $106,200.
What city in Indiana pays urban planners the most? ▼
Carmel is the highest paying city in Indiana for urban planners, with a median salary of $83,517. Other cities include Indianapolis and Fort Wayne.