Fort Wayne vs Merrillville: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Merrillville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Merrillville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $386,459▲ | $358,295 |
| Hourly Rate | $185.80▲ | $172.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $224,146▲ | $207,811 |
| 25th Percentile | $278,250▲ | $257,973 |
| 75th Percentile | $491,945▲ | $445,218 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $565,165▲ | $495,288 |
| Total Employed | 66▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Merrillville is $28,164 (7.86%). Fort Wayne's median is -5.54% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $341,019,Merrillville spans $287,477. 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 ($423,285 effective) pays 7.86% more than Merrillville ($392,437 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 ($386,459/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($565,165)
- ✓Larger job market (66 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $423,285)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 5.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Merrillville over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$349,517 (2024) → $369,817 (2025)
Merrillville, IN
$324,045 (2024) → $342,866 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Merrillville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Fort Wayne or Merrillville?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov