Merrillville vs South Bend: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Merrillville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrillville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,254 | $130,575▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.22 | $62.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,489 | $101,215▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,157 | $113,464▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $147,185▲ | $138,582 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,420 | $169,451▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 310▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Merrillville and South Bend is $5,321 (4.25%). South Bend's median is -4.60% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrillville spans $61,931,South Bend spans $68,236. South Bend 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, South Bend ($140,618 effective) pays 2.50% more than Merrillville ($137,189 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,575/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,451)
- ✓Larger job market (310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,618)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Merrillville grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.0% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Merrillville, IN
$107,723 (2024) → $121,077 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$105,150 (2019) → $126,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrillville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Merrillville or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrillville and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Merrillville to South Bend as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Merrillville vs South Bend?
Related Comparisons
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