Fishers vs Fort Wayne: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Fishers, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fishers, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,266 | $131,433▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.63 | $63.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,655 | $109,719▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,856 | $113,547▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $150,546▲ | $133,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,897▲ | $160,161 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fishers.
The salary gap between Fishers and Fort Wayne is $1,167 (0.90%). Fort Wayne's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fishers spans $80,242,Fort Wayne spans $50,442. Fishers 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, Fishers ($142,679 effective) pays 0.49% more than Fort Wayne ($141,979 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fishers if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,897)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,679)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,433/year)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Fishers grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$112,034 (2024) → $125,922 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$103,790 (2019) → $127,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Fishers or Fort Wayne?
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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