Professor Salary in Indianapolis, IN — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Indianapolis's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Professor Salary in Indianapolis — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Indianapolis
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Indianapolis
Indianapolis has a metro population of 2,130,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Indianapolis
Other Professions in Indianapolis
Professor Salary — Other Indiana Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Professor make in Indianapolis, IN?
The estimated median salary for a Professor in Indianapolis is $74,254 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by Indianapolis's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $50,688 (25th percentile) to $107,765 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $148,650.
Is Indianapolis affordable for a Professor?
On a $74,254 annual salary, a Professor in Indianapolis would spend approximately 14.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($915/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Indianapolis relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $260,000 is 3.5× the annual salary.
How does a Professor's salary compare to Indianapolis's overall income?
Indianapolis's median household income is $64,200. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $74,254 earns 15.7% more than the typical Indianapolis household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.
Explore More Salary Data
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.