Indianapolis vs Fort Wayne: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,272▲ | $63,170 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.87▲ | $30.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,324 | $41,959▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,582 | $51,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,207▲ | $76,891 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,819▲ | $88,532 |
| Total Employed | 1,880▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne is $3,102 (4.91%). Indianapolis's median is -17.57% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $58,495,Fort Wayne spans $46,573. 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, Indianapolis ($69,253 effective) pays 1.49% more than Fort Wayne ($68,239 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 ($66,272/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,819)
- ✓Larger job market (1,880 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,253)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Indianapolis grew -20.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$79,370 (2021) → $63,430 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$60,680 (2021) → $60,461 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Indianapolis or Fort Wayne?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov