Fishers vs Fort Wayne: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Fishers, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fishers, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,949 | $135,762▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.95 | $65.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,631 | $114,592▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,954 | $126,546▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,264 | $178,981▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,560 | $213,728▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fishers.
The salary gap between Fishers and Fort Wayne is $4,813 (3.68%). 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 Fishers spans $95,929,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, Fort Wayne ($146,656 effective) pays 2.25% more than Fishers ($143,427 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fishers if…
- ✓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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,656)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fishers grew 17.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$107,480 (2024) → $126,741 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$106,900 (2019) → $131,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Fishers or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fishers and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Fishers to Fort Wayne as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Fishers 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