Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Elkhart, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,372▲ | $100,872 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.69▲ | $48.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,501▲ | $76,025 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,482▲ | $79,488 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,106▲ | $111,692 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,384 | $136,036▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Elkhart and Fort Wayne are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $2,500 (2.48%). Elkhart's median is -1.82% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $43,883,Fort Wayne spans $60,011. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elkhart ($114,445 effective) pays 5.03% more than Fort Wayne ($108,966 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,372/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,445)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,036)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Elkhart grew 15.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$87,040 (2019) → $100,890 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$85,080 (2019) → $98,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Elkhart or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Elkhart to Fort Wayne as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Elkhart vs Fort Wayne?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov