Fort Wayne vs Merrillville: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $42,817▲ | $40,527 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.58▲ | $19.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,525▲ | $31,582 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,571 | $35,733▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,316▲ | $51,412 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,629▲ | $62,816 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Merrillville is $2,290 (5.65%). 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 Fort Wayne spans $39,104,Merrillville spans $31,234. 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 ($46,253 effective) pays 4.20% more than Merrillville ($44,389 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 ($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
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓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 7.6% growth in Merrillville over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$45,860 (2021) → $41,809 (2025)
Merrillville, IN
$36,783 (2024) → $39,573 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Merrillville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Fort Wayne or Merrillville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Merrillville?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Merrillville as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Fort Wayne vs Merrillville?
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