Bloomington vs Fort Wayne: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Bloomington, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,082 | $47,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.15 | $22.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,658 | $39,931▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,106 | $41,327▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,814 | $49,640▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,693 | $57,838▲ |
| Total Employed | 480 | 1,760▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Fort Wayne is $1,385 (3.01%). Fort Wayne's median is -1.03% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $10,035,Fort Wayne spans $17,907. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($51,276 effective) pays 5.80% more than Bloomington ($48,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,467/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,838)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,276)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Bloomington grew 37.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Bloomington, IN
$32,050 (2019) → $43,900 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$31,980 (2019) → $45,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Bloomington or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Fort Wayne as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Bloomington vs Fort Wayne?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov