Fort Wayne vs Gary: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Gary, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Gary, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,267 | $68,719▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.34 | $33.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,108▲ | $51,831 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,340▲ | $61,509 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,939 | $79,457▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,110 | $92,262▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,200▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Gary, IN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Gary is $1,452 (2.16%). Gary's median is +0.95% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $26,002,Gary spans $40,431. Gary has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gary ($75,267 effective) pays 3.58% more than Fort Wayne ($72,665 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Gary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,719/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,262)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,267)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Fort Wayne grew 38.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Gary over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$46,020 (2019) → $63,640 (2025)
Gary, IN
$50,280 (2024) → $65,013 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov