Fort Wayne vs Lafayette: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,817 | $48,476▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.58 | $23.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,525 | $34,535▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,571 | $39,536▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,316▲ | $54,893 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,629▲ | $69,582 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne and Lafayette are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Lafayette is $5,659 (13.22%). Lafayette's median is +6.96% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $39,104,Lafayette spans $35,047. 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, Lafayette ($51,885 effective) pays 12.18% more than Fort Wayne ($46,253 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,629)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,476/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,885)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Fort Wayne grew -8.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$45,860 (2021) → $41,809 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$44,390 (2021) → $47,335 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Fort Wayne or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Lafayette as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Fort Wayne vs Lafayette?
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