Fishers vs Fort Wayne: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fishers, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fishers, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,364▲ | $86,520 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.00▲ | $41.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,051▲ | $53,773 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,159 | $71,691▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,760 | $107,505▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,218 | $131,412▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Fishers and Fort Wayne are closely matched on overall speech-language pathologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fishers and Fort Wayne is $844 (0.98%). Fishers's median is -14.16% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fishers spans $69,167,Fort Wayne spans $77,639. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fishers ($95,689 effective) pays 2.38% more than Fort Wayne ($93,462 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fishers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,364/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,689)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,412)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Fishers grew 12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$74,690 (2024) → $84,012 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$74,430 (2019) → $83,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fishers or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fishers and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Fishers to Fort Wayne as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fishers vs Fort Wayne?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov