Muncie vs South Bend: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Muncie, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Muncie, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,950▲ | $102,479 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.93▲ | $49.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,539 | $76,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,968 | $84,102▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,264▲ | $122,141 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,304▲ | $139,254 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Muncie, IN offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Muncie and South Bend is $3,471 (3.39%). Muncie's median is -15.26% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Muncie spans $91,765,South Bend spans $63,216. Muncie 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, Muncie ($116,046 effective) pays 5.15% 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 Muncie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,950/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($159,304)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,046)
- ✓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 Muncie grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Muncie, IN
$94,455 (2024) → $102,219 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$81,670 (2019) → $98,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Muncie, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Muncie or South Bend?
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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