Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $54,443 | $63,170▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.18 | $30.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,944 | $41,959▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,149 | $51,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,328 | $76,891▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,792▲ | $88,532 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elkhart.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $8,727 (16.03%). Fort Wayne's median is -21.42% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $51,848,Fort Wayne spans $46,573. 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, Fort Wayne ($68,239 effective) pays 13.21% more than Elkhart ($60,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,792)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,170/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,239)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Elkhart grew -30.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$74,980 (2021) → $52,109 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$60,680 (2021) → $60,461 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Elkhart or Fort Wayne?
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Should I relocate from Elkhart to Fort Wayne as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov