Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,062 | $68,110▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.80 | $32.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,927▲ | $43,177 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,742 | $62,532▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,524 | $78,958▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,332 | $79,862▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 110 |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $4,048 (6.32%). South Bend's median is -3.04% 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,South Bend spans $36,685. South Bend 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, South Bend ($73,349 effective) pays 5.99% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,110/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,862)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,349)
- ✓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 18.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$53,110 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$56,130 (2019) → $66,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Fort Wayne or South Bend?
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Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to South Bend as a physical therapist assistant?
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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