Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,817▲ | $41,230 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.58▲ | $19.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,525▲ | $32,822 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,571 | $35,588▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,316 | $58,579▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,629 | $103,666▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $1,587 (3.85%). 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,South Bend spans $70,844. South Bend 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 4.17% more than South Bend ($44,401 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)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,253)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,666)
- ✓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 8.9% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$45,860 (2021) → $41,809 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$36,970 (2021) → $40,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Fort Wayne or South Bend?
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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