Fort Wayne vs Franklin: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Franklin, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Franklin, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,520▲ | $86,088 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.60▲ | $41.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,773 | $55,727▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,691▲ | $67,798 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,505▲ | $99,258 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,412▲ | $113,433 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Franklin is $432 (0.50%). Fort Wayne's median is -14.99% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $77,639,Franklin spans $57,706. 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, Franklin ($94,291 effective) pays 0.89% 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 Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,520/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,412)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,291)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 11.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Franklin over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$74,430 (2019) → $83,200 (2025)
Franklin, IN
$73,599 (2024) → $82,785 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Franklin, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Fort Wayne or Franklin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Franklin?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Franklin as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Fort Wayne vs Franklin?
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