Fort Wayne vs New Albany: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and New Albany, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | New Albany, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,858▲ | $83,282 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.32▲ | $40.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,673▲ | $60,903 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,341▲ | $69,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,941▲ | $95,669 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,721 | $115,220▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,450▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Albany.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and New Albany is $576 (0.69%). Fort Wayne's median is -18.37% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $36,048,New Albany spans $54,317. New Albany has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New Albany ($91,218 effective) pays 0.70% more than Fort Wayne ($90,587 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 ($83,858/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,220)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,218)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Fort Wayne grew 35.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in New Albany over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$58,920 (2019) → $79,630 (2025)
New Albany, IN
$66,981 (2024) → $79,083 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
New Albany, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov