Fort Wayne vs Gary: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Gary, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Gary, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,466▲ | $110,134 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.69▲ | $52.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,273▲ | $63,877 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,795▲ | $79,297 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,816▲ | $140,971 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $310,394▲ | $170,708 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gary.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Gary is $22,332 (20.28%). Fort Wayne's median is -20.76% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $230,121,Gary spans $106,831. 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 ($143,095 effective) pays 18.62% more than Gary ($120,629 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 ($132,466/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($310,394)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,095)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Gary if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Fort Wayne grew -5.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.9% growth in Gary over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$133,550 (2019) → $126,520 (2025)
Gary, IN
$114,272 (2024) → $105,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov