Columbus vs Fort Wayne: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Columbus, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,119 | $131,433▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.56 | $63.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,681 | $109,719▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $124,616▲ | $113,547 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,154▲ | $133,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $178,555▲ | $160,161 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Fort Wayne is $1,314 (1.01%). Fort Wayne's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $76,874,Fort Wayne spans $50,442. Columbus 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 ($141,979 effective) pays 1.48% more than Columbus ($139,908 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,555)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,433/year)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,979)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Columbus grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$114,560 (2019) → $125,780 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$103,790 (2019) → $127,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Columbus or Fort Wayne?
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Should I relocate from Columbus to Fort Wayne as a nurse practitioner?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov