Fort Wayne vs Indianapolis: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,062 | $70,935▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.80 | $34.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,927 | $49,958▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,742 | $62,706▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,524 | $81,188▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,332 | $83,006▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis is $6,873 (10.73%). Indianapolis's median is +0.98% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $34,405,Indianapolis spans $33,048. Fort Wayne 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, Indianapolis ($74,125 effective) pays 7.11% 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 Fort Wayne if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,935/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,006)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,125)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Fort Wayne grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.2% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$53,110 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$58,440 (2019) → $69,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Fort Wayne or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Fort Wayne vs Indianapolis?
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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