Fort Wayne vs Terre Haute: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Terre Haute, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Terre Haute, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,466 | $141,649▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.69 | $68.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,273▲ | $79,562 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,795 | $101,151▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $188,816 | $207,484▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $310,394▲ | $298,353 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne and Terre Haute are closely matched on overall lawyer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Terre Haute is $9,183 (6.93%). Terre Haute's median is -15.27% 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,Terre Haute spans $218,791. 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, Terre Haute ($161,337 effective) pays 12.75% more than Fort Wayne ($143,095 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 ($310,394)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Terre Haute if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,649/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $161,337)
- ✓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 90.0% growth in Terre Haute over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$133,550 (2019) → $126,520 (2025)
Terre Haute, IN
$71,210 (2019) → $135,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Terre Haute, 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