Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist 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 | $155,321▲ | $146,666 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.67▲ | $70.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,763 | $112,828▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $137,654▲ | $135,892 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,406▲ | $161,777 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,406▲ | $167,297 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $8,655 (5.90%). 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,South Bend spans $54,469. 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, Fort Wayne ($167,784 effective) pays 6.23% more than South Bend ($157,947 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,406)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,784)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓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 14.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$122,690 (2019) → $152,530 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$125,560 (2019) → $144,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, 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