Fort Wayne vs West Lafayette: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $235,115▲ | $216,975 |
| Hourly Rate | $113.04▲ | $104.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $140,415 | $150,948▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $193,761 | $193,928▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $297,159▲ | $270,903 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $346,767▲ | $308,730 |
| Total Employed | 66▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Lafayette.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and West Lafayette is $18,140 (8.36%). 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 Fort Wayne spans $206,352,West Lafayette spans $157,782. Fort Wayne 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 ($257,519 effective) pays 8.36% more than West Lafayette ($237,651 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose West Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 16.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in West Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$191,450 (2022) → $223,493 (2025)
West Lafayette, IN
$183,069 (2024) → $206,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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