Evansville vs Fort Wayne: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Evansville, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,635▲ | $104,458 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.27▲ | $50.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,292▲ | $69,176 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,237▲ | $83,086 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,294▲ | $128,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $149,608 | $159,455▲ |
| Total Employed | 230 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Evansville and Fort Wayne are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Evansville and Fort Wayne is $2,177 (2.08%). Evansville's median is -14.71% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $70,316,Fort Wayne spans $90,279. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Evansville ($116,505 effective) pays 3.25% 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 Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,635/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,505)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,455)
- ✓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 Evansville grew 23.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$83,570 (2019) → $102,880 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$81,830 (2019) → $100,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Evansville or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Fort Wayne as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Evansville vs Fort Wayne?
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