Franklin vs Indianapolis: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Franklin, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,749 | $104,508▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.56 | $50.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,657 | $73,257▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,467 | $81,591▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,010 | $128,739▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,861 | $160,277▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,000▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and Indianapolis is $9,759 (10.30%). Indianapolis's median is +0.98% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $82,204,Indianapolis spans $87,020. Indianapolis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Indianapolis ($109,208 effective) pays 5.23% more than Franklin ($103,778 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,277)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,208)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Franklin grew 16.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Franklin, IN
$78,984 (2024) → $92,321 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$79,190 (2019) → $101,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Franklin or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Franklin to Indianapolis as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Franklin vs Indianapolis?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov