Indianapolis vs Fort Wayne: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,961▲ | $131,433 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.88▲ | $63.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $110,174▲ | $109,719 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,954▲ | $113,547 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,826▲ | $133,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $157,337 | $160,161▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,530▲ | 820 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne is $3,528 (2.68%). Indianapolis's median is -1.39% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $47,163,Fort Wayne spans $50,442. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($141,979 effective) pays 0.67% more than Indianapolis ($141,031 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,961/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,161)
- ✓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 Indianapolis grew 19.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$109,030 (2019) → $130,460 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$103,790 (2019) → $127,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Indianapolis or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Indianapolis vs Fort Wayne?
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