East Chicago vs Fort Wayne: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between East Chicago, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,696 | $72,801▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.47 | $35.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,392▲ | $43,626 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,781▲ | $51,121 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,771 | $94,451▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,129▲ | $97,167 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,260▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Fort Wayne is $1,105 (1.54%). Fort Wayne's median is +12.82% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $60,737,Fort Wayne spans $53,541. East Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($78,643 effective) pays 0.15% more than East Chicago ($78,528 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,129)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,801/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,643)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in East Chicago grew 20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$58,177 (2024) → $70,208 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$56,160 (2019) → $71,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: East Chicago or Fort Wayne?
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov