Fort Wayne vs West Lafayette: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and West Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | West Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,458▲ | $97,081 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.22▲ | $46.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,176▲ | $65,375 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,086▲ | $76,493 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,878▲ | $123,484 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,455▲ | $146,877 |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Lafayette.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and West Lafayette is $7,377 (7.60%). Fort Wayne's median is -16.46% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $90,279,West Lafayette spans $81,502. Fort Wayne 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 ($112,840 effective) pays 6.12% more than West Lafayette ($106,332 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 ($104,458/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,455)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,840)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose West Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Fort Wayne grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.3% growth in West Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$81,830 (2019) → $100,780 (2025)
West Lafayette, IN
$88,919 (2024) → $93,662 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
West Lafayette, 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