Fort Wayne vs Richmond: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Richmond, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Richmond, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,259 | $93,792▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.87 | $45.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,441▲ | $62,023 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,808 | $78,258▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,351 | $117,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,917 | $144,499▲ |
| Total Employed | 250▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Richmond, IN offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Richmond is $2,533 (2.78%). Richmond's median is -9.37% 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,Richmond spans $82,476. Richmond 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, Richmond ($102,729 effective) pays 4.21% 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 Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,792/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,499)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,729)
- ✓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 Richmond over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$71,250 (2019) → $88,920 (2025)
Richmond, IN
$78,186 (2024) → $91,388 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Richmond, 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