Fort Wayne vs Portage: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Portage, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Portage, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,220 | $134,091▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.05 | $64.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,426▲ | $77,773 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,444 | $108,834▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,610▲ | $161,910 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,784 | $194,605▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Portage, IN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Portage is $871 (0.65%). Portage's median is -4.64% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $98,358,Portage spans $116,832. Portage has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portage ($146,869 effective) pays 2.06% more than Fort Wayne ($143,910 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 (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Portage if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,091/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($194,605)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,869)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 15.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Portage over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$112,090 (2019) → $129,390 (2025)
Portage, IN
$114,646 (2024) → $130,236 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Portage, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Wayne or Portage?
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Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Portage as a optometrist?
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov