Fort Wayne vs Lawrence: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Lawrence, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Lawrence, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,467▲ | $44,724 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.82▲ | $21.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,931▲ | $37,379 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,327▲ | $38,633 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,640▲ | $48,552 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,838 | $57,865▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lawrence.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Lawrence is $2,743 (6.13%). 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 Fort Wayne spans $17,907,Lawrence spans $20,486. Lawrence 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 4.67% more than Lawrence ($48,986 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 ($47,467/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,276)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lawrence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,865)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Fort Wayne grew 41.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.4% growth in Lawrence over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$31,980 (2019) → $45,220 (2025)
Lawrence, IN
$33,191 (2024) → $42,606 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Lawrence, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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