Carmel vs Fort Wayne: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Carmel, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,136 | $135,762▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.97 | $65.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,841 | $114,592▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $122,001 | $126,546▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,426 | $178,981▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,482 | $213,728▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carmel.
The salary gap between Carmel and Fort Wayne is $626 (0.46%). Fort Wayne's median is -3.30% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carmel spans $87,641,Fort Wayne spans $99,136. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carmel ($148,013 effective) pays 0.93% more than Fort Wayne ($146,656 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carmel if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,013)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,762/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,728)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Carmel grew 23.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Carmel, IN
$105,722 (2024) → $130,794 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$106,900 (2019) → $131,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carmel, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Carmel or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carmel and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Carmel to Fort Wayne as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Carmel vs Fort Wayne?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov