East Chicago vs Fort Wayne: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between East Chicago, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,789 | $42,817▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.61 | $20.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,217 | $34,525▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,282▲ | $35,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,992 | $56,316▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,223 | $73,629▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Fort Wayne is $2,028 (4.97%). Fort Wayne's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $31,006,Fort Wayne spans $39,104. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($46,253 effective) pays 3.53% more than East Chicago ($44,676 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,817/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,629)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,253)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in East Chicago grew 7.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.8% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$37,022 (2024) → $39,829 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$45,860 (2021) → $41,809 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: East Chicago or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Fort Wayne as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in East Chicago vs Fort Wayne?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov