Indianapolis vs South Bend: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $391,593▲ | $385,413 |
| Hourly Rate | $188.27▲ | $185.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $213,431 | $223,539▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $375,155▲ | $277,498 |
| 75th Percentile | $428,805 | $482,433▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $565,544▲ | $547,657 |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and South Bend is $6,180 (1.60%). Indianapolis's median is -4.28% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $352,113,South Bend spans $324,118. Indianapolis 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, South Bend ($422,139 effective) pays 3.16% more than Indianapolis ($409,205 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($391,593/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($565,544)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $422,139)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Indianapolis grew 0.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$373,459 (2024) → $374,730 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$348,571 (2024) → $368,816 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Indianapolis or South Bend?
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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