Indianapolis vs Muncie: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Muncie, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Muncie, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,030▲ | $67,997 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.15▲ | $32.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,063▲ | $52,163 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,728▲ | $63,124 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,239▲ | $74,180 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,579▲ | $77,446 |
| Total Employed | 4,230▲ | 300 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muncie.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Muncie is $3,033 (4.46%). Indianapolis's median is +4.35% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $25,516,Muncie spans $25,283. Indianapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Muncie ($77,140 effective) pays 3.93% more than Indianapolis ($74,225 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 ($71,030/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,579)
- ✓Larger job market (4,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Muncie if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,140)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Indianapolis grew 42.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.3% growth in Muncie over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$47,210 (2019) → $67,200 (2025)
Muncie, IN
$45,520 (2019) → $64,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Muncie, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Indianapolis or Muncie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Muncie?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Muncie as a licensed practical nurse?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov