Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician 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 | $72,801 | $75,722▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.00 | $36.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,626 | $44,014▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,121▲ | $50,049 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,451 | $97,780▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,167 | $102,743▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,260▲ | 750 |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $2,921 (4.01%). South Bend's median is +17.34% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $53,541,South Bend spans $58,729. South Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Bend ($81,546 effective) pays 3.69% more than Fort Wayne ($78,643 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 (1,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,722/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,743)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,546)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Fort Wayne grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$56,160 (2019) → $71,290 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$59,600 (2019) → $74,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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