Fort Wayne vs West Lafayette: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and West Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | West Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,220 | $136,650▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.05 | $65.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,426▲ | $79,854 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,444 | $112,043▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $166,610▲ | $165,891 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,784 | $200,460▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 8 |
Verdict
West Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and West Lafayette is $3,430 (2.57%). West Lafayette's median is -2.82% 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,West Lafayette spans $120,606. West Lafayette 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, West Lafayette ($149,671 effective) pays 4.00% 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 West Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,650/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,460)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,671)
- ✓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 17.1% growth in West Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$112,090 (2019) → $129,390 (2025)
West Lafayette, IN
$113,329 (2024) → $132,721 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Fort Wayne or West Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and West Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to West Lafayette 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