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Registered Nurse Salaries in Indiana — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

The median registered nurse salary in Indiana is $80,740 per year, equivalent to $38.82/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Indiana employs approximately 68,950 registered nurses statewide.

Registered Nurse salaries in Indiana are below the national average by approximately $9,436. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.

A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Indiana enjoy reliable job security.

Indiana Registered Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Indiana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$80,740
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$64,303

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Indiana Registered Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Indiana median of $80,740.

Your annual salary ($)

Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Indiana

Entry Level (0–2 years)$50,100/yr · $24.09/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Indiana.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$71,858/yr · $34.55/hr
Established professional working independently in Indiana. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$89,621/yr · $43.09/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Indiana.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$116,300+/yr · $55.91/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Indiana.
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Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Indiana — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Registered Nurse salaries in Indiana have grown an estimated 13.9% over the past five years, reflecting broader workforce and economic conditions. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Indiana's healthcare and hospitals.

2021
$70,889
2022
$75,007
+5.8%
2023
$78,479
+4.6%
2024
$79,771
+1.6%
2026
$80,740
+1.2%

Registered Nurse Salary by City — Indiana

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Indianapolis$89,600$43.08+11.0%24,132
Fort Wayne$85,600$41.15+6.0%19,306
Evansville$83,150$39.98+3.0%12,411
South Bend$77,500$37.26-4.0%6,205
Carmel$73,450$35.31-9.0%4,137
Bloomington$70,250$33.77-13.0%2,758

Tip: Indianapolis offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Indiana at $89,600/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Indiana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Indiana sits in the mid-range for registered nurses.

Indiana — 3.15% state income tax$80,740 gross~$64,303 take-home
Illinois — 4.95%$86,410 gross+7.0% vs IN
Michigan — 4.25%$85,670 gross+6.1% vs IN
Ohio — 3.75%$81,250 gross+0.6% vs IN

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.

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Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Indiana

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
68,950Currently employed
6,895+New jobs projected

Employment for registered nurses in Indiana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Indiana job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Indiana enjoy reliable job security.

How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Indiana

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Indiana typically adds $66,200 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Indianapolis pays registered nurses $89,600/yr — +11.0% above the Indiana average. Simply relocating within Indiana can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals typically command premium rates in Indiana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. Illinois pays registered nurses $86,410/yr — 7.0% vs Indiana.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a registered nurse earn in Indiana on average?
The average registered nurse salary in Indiana is $80,740 per year, or $38.82 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $50,100 while experienced professionals earn $116,300 or more.
What city in Indiana pays registered nurses the most?
Indianapolis pays registered nurses the most in Indiana at an average of $89,600 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Indiana registered nurse salary compare to the national average?
Indiana registered nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $9,436. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.
How much do registered nurses actually take home after taxes in Indiana?
A registered nurse earning the Indiana average of $80,740 takes home approximately $64,303 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.15%.
Is registered nurse a good career in Indiana?
Yes. Registered Nurse is a strong career choice in Indiana with steady demand projected over the next decade. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean registered nurses in Indiana enjoy reliable job security.
How do you become a licensed registered nurse in Indiana?
In Indiana, registered nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.