Salaries in Evansville, IN
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
Evansville isnโt where you chase the highest raw salaryโitโs where your money actually lasts. In 2026, the median household income here is $52,318, but with a cost of living index of 89.8, that paycheck stretches far further than youโd expect in a city of 113,000 people.
Letโs talk real purchasing power. A 1-bedroom apartment runs about $850 a month, and the unemployment rate is a tight 3.4%. That means jobs are stable, and your rent isnโt eating your whole budget. The average salary across all roles is $66,989, but when you adjust for Evansvilleโs lower costs, that feels more like $74,598. Itโs not a fortune, but itโs solidโespecially if youโre coming from a pricier metro.
The money flows from healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Youโll find major employers like Deaconess Health System and Berry Global, and while tech isnโt exploding, software developers still earn a healthy $123,365 (or $137,378 adjusted). The surprise? Marketing managers here pull down $152,796โnearly double the median household income. Thatโs not a fluke; itโs companies needing local savvy to reach the Midwest.
Hereโs the honest catch: wages arenโt racing ahead. That median income is up only slightly from pre-2026, and while costs are low, theyโre creeping up. If youโre in marketing, pharmacy, or project management, Evansville can feel like a smart financial move. If youโre in a lower-wage service role, the math gets tighter.
Below, youโll see the top-paying jobs, the real take-home after cost adjustments, and why this city might be a hidden gemโor a ceiling for your earning potential.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Evansville
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Marketing Manager
Pharmacist
Software Developer
Construction Manager
Project Manager
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 40 Occupations in Evansville
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (90/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Evansville
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Evansville?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Evansville. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
โ Evansville Salary FAQ
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Evansville Worth It?
Hereโs my honest take: Evansville isnโt a gold rush, but itโs a quiet win if you play it right. With a cost-of-living index of 89.8 and rent around $850, your paycheck stretches further than in most cities. The average salary of $66,989 wonโt make you rich, but the Marketing Manager roleโadjusting to $170,151โshows thereโs real upside in leadership and specialized skills. Financially, itโs worth it if youโre in tech, healthcare, or trades, where demand is steady and competition isnโt brutal. If youโre considering the move, my advice: lock in a job before you arrive. The market rewards those who come prepared, not those who wing it.