Fort Wayne vs Merrillville: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Merrillville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Merrillville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,321▲ | $140,538 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.67▲ | $67.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,763▲ | $101,617 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,654▲ | $129,600 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,406▲ | $160,176 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,406 | $168,829▲ |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Merrillville is $14,783 (10.52%). Fort Wayne's median is +8.25% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $58,643,Merrillville spans $67,212. Merrillville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($167,784 effective) pays 9.00% more than Merrillville ($153,930 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,321/year)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,784)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,829)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Merrillville over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$122,690 (2019) → $152,530 (2025)
Merrillville, IN
$112,102 (2024) → $138,012 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Merrillville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov