Carmel vs Fort Wayne: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Carmel, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,067▲ | $104,458 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.47▲ | $50.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,116▲ | $69,176 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,971▲ | $83,086 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,817▲ | $128,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $164,564▲ | $159,455 |
| Total Employed | 15 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Carmel, IN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Carmel and Fort Wayne is $2,609 (2.50%). Carmel's median is -14.37% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carmel spans $93,448,Fort Wayne spans $90,279. Carmel 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, Carmel ($117,269 effective) pays 3.93% more than Fort Wayne ($112,840 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carmel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,067/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($164,564)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,269)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Carmel grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Carmel, IN
$91,387 (2024) → $103,297 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$81,830 (2019) → $100,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carmel, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov