Evansville vs Fort Wayne: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Evansville, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,202 | $100,872▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.70 | $48.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,200▲ | $76,025 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,872▲ | $79,488 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,558 | $111,692▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,710 | $136,036▲ |
| Total Employed | 340 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Evansville and Fort Wayne is $1,670 (1.68%). Fort Wayne's median is -4.19% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $47,510,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, Fort Wayne ($108,966 effective) pays 0.54% more than Evansville ($108,384 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,872/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,036)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,966)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Evansville grew 12.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$86,360 (2019) → $96,820 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$85,080 (2019) → $98,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Evansville or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Fort Wayne as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Evansville 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