Carmel vs Fort Wayne: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Carmel, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $235,242▲ | $235,115 |
| Hourly Rate | $113.10▲ | $113.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $161,336▲ | $140,415 |
| 25th Percentile | $209,019▲ | $193,761 |
| 75th Percentile | $295,010 | $297,159▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $339,730 | $346,767▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 66▲ |
Verdict
Carmel and Fort Wayne are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Carmel and Fort Wayne is $127 (0.05%). Carmel's median is -5.48% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carmel spans $178,394,Fort Wayne spans $206,352. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Carmel ($257,658 effective) pays 0.05% more than Fort Wayne ($257,519 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carmel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($235,242/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $257,658)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($346,767)
- ✓Larger job market (66 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Carmel grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Carmel, IN
$188,150 (2024) → $223,614 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$191,450 (2022) → $223,493 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carmel, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Carmel or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carmel and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Carmel to Fort Wayne as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Carmel vs Fort Wayne?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov