Anderson vs Fort Wayne: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Anderson, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Anderson, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,286 | $64,062▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.95 | $30.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,950▲ | $43,927 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,114▲ | $49,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,357 | $76,524▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,890▲ | $78,332 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Anderson.
The salary gap between Anderson and Fort Wayne is $1,776 (2.85%). Fort Wayne's median is -8.80% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Anderson spans $38,940,Fort Wayne spans $34,405. Anderson 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 ($69,202 effective) pays 1.44% more than Anderson ($68,221 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Anderson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,890)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,062/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,202)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Anderson grew 9.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Anderson, IN
$55,329 (2024) → $60,631 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$53,110 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Anderson, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Anderson or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Anderson and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Anderson to Fort Wayne as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Anderson vs Fort Wayne?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov