Evansville vs Merrillville: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Evansville, IN and Merrillville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Merrillville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,709▲ | $125,254 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.40▲ | $60.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,626 | $98,489▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $110,660 | $112,157▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,151 | $147,185▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,778 | $160,420▲ |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Evansville and Merrillville is $2,455 (1.96%). Evansville's median is -6.69% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $53,152,Merrillville spans $61,931. Merrillville 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, Evansville ($139,530 effective) pays 1.71% 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 Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,709/year)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,530)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,420)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Evansville grew 15.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Merrillville over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$107,290 (2019) → $123,450 (2025)
Merrillville, IN
$107,723 (2024) → $121,077 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Merrillville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Evansville or Merrillville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Merrillville?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Merrillville as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Evansville vs Merrillville?
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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