Fort Wayne vs Indianapolis: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,762 | $136,331▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.27 | $65.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $114,592▲ | $109,488 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,546 | $129,522▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,981▲ | $158,679 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $213,728▲ | $183,124 |
| Total Employed | 240 | 700▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis is $569 (0.42%). Indianapolis's median is -2.89% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $99,136,Indianapolis spans $73,636. Fort Wayne 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, Fort Wayne ($146,656 effective) pays 2.94% more than Indianapolis ($142,463 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,728)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,656)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,331/year)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Fort Wayne grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$106,900 (2019) → $131,400 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$100,570 (2019) → $131,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Fort Wayne or Indianapolis?
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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