Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,872▲ | $100,687 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.49▲ | $48.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,025 | $79,991▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,488 | $86,282▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,692 | $113,198▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,036▲ | $127,286 |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 200 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $185 (0.18%). 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 Fort Wayne spans $60,011,South Bend spans $47,295. 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 ($108,966 effective) pays 0.49% more than South Bend ($108,431 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓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 16.3% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$85,080 (2019) → $98,450 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$84,500 (2019) → $98,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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