Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $133,220 | $142,455▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.05 | $68.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,426▲ | $80,412 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,444 | $106,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,610 | $168,587▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,784▲ | $182,249 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne and South Bend are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $9,235 (6.93%). South Bend's median is +1.31% 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,South Bend spans $101,837. South Bend 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, South Bend ($153,412 effective) pays 6.60% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,784)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($142,455/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,412)
- ✓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 8.8% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$112,090 (2019) → $129,390 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$127,180 (2021) → $138,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Wayne or South Bend?
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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