Fort Wayne vs Munster: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Munster, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Munster, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,259▲ | $88,680 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.87▲ | $42.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,441 | $64,765▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,808▲ | $72,487 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,351 | $112,156▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,917 | $136,452▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Munster.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Munster is $2,579 (2.91%). Fort Wayne's median is -11.82% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $70,476,Munster spans $71,687. Munster has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($98,582 effective) pays 1.49% more than Munster ($97,130 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 ($91,259/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,582)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Munster if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,452)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Fort Wayne grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Munster over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$71,250 (2019) → $88,920 (2025)
Munster, IN
$73,925 (2024) → $86,407 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Munster, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Fort Wayne or Munster?
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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