Evansville vs Fort Wayne: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $131,517 | $131,918▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.23 | $63.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,941 | $83,530▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,107▲ | $108,970 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,049▲ | $141,746 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,235▲ | $175,874 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Evansville and Fort Wayne is $401 (0.30%). Fort Wayne's median is -3.94% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $142,294,Fort Wayne spans $92,344. 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 ($143,690 effective) pays 0.83% more than Fort Wayne ($142,503 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,235)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,690)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,918/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Evansville grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$100,390 (2019) → $124,590 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$93,060 (2019) → $124,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians 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 veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Evansville vs Fort Wayne?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov