Fishers vs Fort Wayne: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $131,876 | $131,918▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.40 | $63.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,488 | $83,530▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $99,484 | $108,970▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,597▲ | $141,746 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $204,408▲ | $175,874 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fishers.
The salary gap between Fishers and Fort Wayne is $42 (0.03%). 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 Fishers spans $127,920,Fort Wayne spans $92,344. Fishers 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, Fishers ($144,442 effective) pays 1.36% 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 Fishers if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($204,408)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $144,442)
- ✓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 Fishers grew 27.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.3% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$98,372 (2024) → $124,930 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$93,060 (2019) → $124,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Fishers or Fort Wayne?
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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