Fort Wayne vs Michigan City: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Michigan City, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Michigan City, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,267 | $68,969▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.34 | $33.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,108▲ | $51,508 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,340▲ | $62,955 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,939 | $78,451▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,110▲ | $79,095 |
| Total Employed | 1,200▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne and Michigan City are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Michigan City is $1,702 (2.53%). Michigan City's median is +1.32% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $26,002,Michigan City spans $27,587. Michigan City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Michigan City ($75,226 effective) pays 3.53% 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 Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,110)
- ✓Larger job market (1,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Michigan City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,969/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,226)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Fort Wayne grew 38.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.0% growth in Michigan City over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$46,020 (2019) → $63,640 (2025)
Michigan City, IN
$50,970 (2019) → $65,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Michigan City, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Fort Wayne or Michigan City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Michigan City?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Michigan City as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Fort Wayne vs Michigan City?
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