Evansville vs Fort Wayne: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Evansville, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,388▲ | $67,267 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.87▲ | $32.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,431 | $54,108▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,959 | $64,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,967 | $76,939▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,465 | $80,110▲ |
| Total Employed | 680 | 1,200▲ |
Verdict
Evansville and Fort Wayne are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Evansville and Fort Wayne is $1,121 (1.67%). Evansville's median is +0.47% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $26,034,Fort Wayne spans $26,002. Evansville 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, Evansville ($74,718 effective) pays 2.83% more than Fort Wayne ($72,665 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,388/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,718)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,110)
- ✓Larger job market (1,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Evansville grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$47,940 (2019) → $64,700 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$46,020 (2019) → $63,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Evansville or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Fort Wayne as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Evansville vs Fort Wayne?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov