Construction & Real Estate Indianapolis, IN Pop. 887,642

Urban Planner Salary in Indianapolis, Indiana

The median urban planner salary in Indianapolis, IN is $73,972 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 3.3% above the Indiana state average.

City Median
$73,972
vs State Avg
+$2,386
vs National
$-5,568
Cost of Living
93%

Urban Planner Pay in Indianapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Indianapolis offers a median urban planner salary of $73,972, which is $2,386 above the Indiana state average of $71,586. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 urban planners in Indianapolis spans from $46,500 at the 10th percentile to $113,460 at the 90th percentile — a $66,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,360, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,740. 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.

Urban Planner Salary in Indianapolis by Experience

In Indianapolis, an entry-level urban planner earns around $48,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,740 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,330
$-5,670 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,740
$-8,260 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Indianapolis, IN

Percentile Indianapolis
10th Percentile $46,500
25th Percentile $58,590
Median (50th) $73,972
75th Percentile $93,000
90th Percentile $113,460

Urban Planner Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$83,517
Pop. 99,757
Fort Wayne, IN
$67,609
Pop. 263,886
Evansville, IN
$66,814
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$66,018
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Urban Planner in Indianapolis

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Indianapolis and the surrounding Indiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Indianapolis may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Urban Planner Jobs in Indianapolis

Browse open urban planner positions in Indianapolis, IN:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Indianapolis

How much does a Urban Planner make in Indianapolis, IN? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Indianapolis, Indiana is $73,972 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $46,500 (10th percentile) to $113,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Indianapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $73,972, a urban planner 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 urban planner pay? ▼
Indianapolis's median urban planner salary of $73,972 is 3.3% above the Indiana state average of $71,586. 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 urban planner salary of $73,972 in Indianapolis has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Indianapolis? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Indianapolis require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.