Fort Wayne vs Muncie: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Muncie, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Muncie, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,872 | $104,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.49 | $50.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,025▲ | $75,288 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,488▲ | $78,003 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,692 | $118,218▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,036▲ | $120,431 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne and Muncie are closely matched on overall physical therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Muncie is $3,340 (3.31%). Muncie's median is -1.02% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $60,011,Muncie spans $45,143. 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, Muncie ($118,224 effective) pays 8.50% 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 Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,036)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Muncie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,212/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,224)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 15.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Muncie over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$85,080 (2019) → $98,450 (2025)
Muncie, IN
$86,660 (2019) → $101,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Muncie, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Fort Wayne or Muncie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Muncie?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Muncie as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Fort Wayne vs Muncie?
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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