Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Elkhart, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $223,842 | $235,115▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $107.62 | $113.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $154,865▲ | $140,415 |
| 25th Percentile | $199,900▲ | $193,761 |
| 75th Percentile | $281,725 | $297,159▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $324,950 | $346,767▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 66▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elkhart.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $11,273 (5.04%). Fort Wayne's median is -5.54% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $170,085,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, Fort Wayne ($257,519 effective) pays 5.04% more than Elkhart ($245,172 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($235,115/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($346,767)
- ✓Larger job market (66 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $257,519)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Elkhart grew 12.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$188,864 (2024) → $212,778 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$191,450 (2022) → $223,493 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Elkhart or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Elkhart to Fort Wayne as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Elkhart 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