Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Elkhart, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,603▲ | $64,062 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.54▲ | $30.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,972▲ | $43,927 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,809▲ | $49,742 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,130▲ | $76,524 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,047▲ | $78,332 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Elkhart, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $1,541 (2.41%). Elkhart's median is -6.61% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $34,075,Fort Wayne spans $34,405. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elkhart ($72,630 effective) pays 4.95% more than Fort Wayne ($69,202 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,603/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,047)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,630)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Elkhart grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$53,390 (2019) → $63,860 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$53,110 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Elkhart or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Elkhart to Fort Wayne as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Elkhart vs Fort Wayne?
Related Comparisons
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