Fort Wayne vs New Albany: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and New Albany, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | New Albany, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,267▲ | $66,250 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.34▲ | $31.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,108▲ | $52,930 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,340▲ | $61,461 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,939 | $77,987▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,110 | $84,356▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,200▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Albany.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and New Albany is $1,017 (1.54%). Fort Wayne's median is -1.18% 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,New Albany spans $31,426. New Albany 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, Fort Wayne ($72,665 effective) pays 0.14% more than New Albany ($72,563 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 ($67,267/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,665)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,356)
- ✓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 New Albany over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$46,020 (2019) → $63,640 (2025)
New Albany, IN
$48,473 (2024) → $62,677 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
New Albany, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Fort Wayne or New Albany?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and New Albany?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to New Albany as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Fort Wayne vs New Albany?
Related Comparisons
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