Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Elkhart, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,942▲ | $91,259 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.01▲ | $43.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,561▲ | $64,441 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,241▲ | $76,808 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,644▲ | $107,351 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,649▲ | $134,917 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Elkhart, IN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $10,683 (11.71%). Elkhart's median is -1.50% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $81,088,Fort Wayne spans $70,476. Elkhart 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, Elkhart ($112,861 effective) pays 14.49% more than Fort Wayne ($98,582 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,942/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,649)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,861)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Elkhart grew 30.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$76,420 (2019) → $99,330 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$71,250 (2019) → $88,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov