Lawyer Salary in Indiana
Based on 9K+ workers in Indiana
Median Annual Salary (IN)
$126,860
$60.99/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-5.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$66K – $328K
9K employed in Indiana
Lawyers in Indiana earn a median salary of $126,860 per year, which is approximately 6% below the national average. With around 8,970 legal professionals working throughout the state, Indiana's legal market represents a significant portion of the Midwest's workforce. Salaries in the field range from $65,750 to $327,960 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances and career trajectories.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Indiana, including years of experience, area of legal practice, and employer type. Attorneys working in major metropolitan areas like Indianapolis typically command higher wages than those in rural regions. Specializations such as corporate law and intellectual property tend to offer premium compensation compared to general practice, while factors like firm size, client base, and professional reputation also play significant roles in determining individual earnings.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Indiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,750 |
| 25th percentile | $95,120 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,860 |
| 75th percentile | $193,420 |
| 90th percentile | $327,960 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Indiana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Indiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Indiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $123,010 |
| 2023 | $121,530 |
| 2024 | $130,120 |
| 2025 | $126,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,860 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Indiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $123,010 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $121,530 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $130,120 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $126,860 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $126,860 | $134,712 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $95,120 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $193,420 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $327,960 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Indiana
How other high-demand occupations in Indiana compare to Lawyer ($126,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in IN | $57,140 | -55.0% | $27.47/hr |
| Paralegal in IN | $57,030 | -55.0% | $27.42/hr |
| Title Examiner in IN | $46,150 | -63.6% | $22.19/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IN | $126,880 | +0.0% | $61.00/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in IN | $128,830 | +1.6% | $61.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in IN | $124,530 | -1.8% | $59.87/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in IN | $124,190 | -2.1% | $59.71/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IN | $130,340 | +2.7% | $62.66/hr |
| Sales Manager in IN | $131,470 | +3.6% | $63.21/hr |
| Physician Assistant in IN | $132,050 | +4.1% | $63.49/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in IN | $121,500 | -4.2% | $58.41/hr |
| Database Administrator in IN | $132,830 | +4.7% | $63.86/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Indiana?
- The median salary for lawyers in Indiana is $126,860 per year, or about $61 per hour. This is approximately 5.8% below the national average for lawyers.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Indiana?
- Lawyer salaries in Indiana range from $65,750 at the lower end to $327,960 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many lawyers are employed in Indiana?
- There are approximately 8,970 lawyers employed in Indiana, providing a substantial legal workforce across the state.
Is the Indiana lawyer salary above or below the national average?
- Indiana lawyer salaries are 5.8% below the national average, with the state median of $126,860 compared to higher averages in other states.