Indianapolis vs Lawrence: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Lawrence, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Lawrence, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,014▲ | $99,934 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.93▲ | $48.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,670▲ | $67,613 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,122▲ | $78,975 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,439▲ | $127,340 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,834▲ | $151,566 |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Lawrence is $8,080 (8.09%). Indianapolis's median is -13.61% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $82,164,Lawrence spans $83,953. Lawrence has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($112,872 effective) pays 3.12% more than Lawrence ($109,457 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,014/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,834)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,872)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Indianapolis grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.2% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$90,990 (2019) → $104,210 (2025)
Lawrence, IN
$89,093 (2024) → $96,415 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Lawrence, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Indianapolis or Lawrence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Lawrence?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Lawrence as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Indianapolis vs Lawrence?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov