Franklin vs South Bend: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Franklin, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,690▲ | $102,479 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.37▲ | $49.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,616 | $76,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,300 | $84,102▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,241▲ | $122,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,950▲ | $139,254 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Franklin, IN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Franklin and South Bend is $211 (0.21%). Franklin's median is -17.87% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $85,334,South Bend spans $63,216. Franklin 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, Franklin ($112,475 effective) pays 1.92% more than South Bend ($110,361 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,690/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($150,950)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,475)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Franklin grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Franklin, IN
$91,550 (2024) → $99,074 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$81,670 (2019) → $98,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, IN
South Bend, 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