Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant 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 | $47,467▲ | $46,817 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.82▲ | $22.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,931▲ | $38,681 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,327▲ | $39,553 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,640▲ | $49,021 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,838▲ | $51,068 |
| Total Employed | 1,760▲ | 840 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $650 (1.39%). 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,South Bend spans $12,387. 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 ($51,276 effective) pays 1.70% more than South Bend ($50,418 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)
- ✓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
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓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 32.2% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$31,980 (2019) → $45,220 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$33,730 (2019) → $44,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Fort Wayne or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to South Bend as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Fort Wayne vs South Bend?
Related Comparisons
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