Fort Wayne vs Valparaiso: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Valparaiso, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Valparaiso, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $155,321▲ | $144,517 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.67▲ | $69.48 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,763▲ | $102,988 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,654▲ | $132,608 |
| 75th Percentile | $168,406▲ | $160,735 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,406▲ | $167,801 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valparaiso.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Valparaiso is $10,804 (7.48%). Fort Wayne's median is +8.25% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $58,643,Valparaiso spans $64,813. Valparaiso has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($167,784 effective) pays 6.00% more than Valparaiso ($158,288 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 ($155,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,406)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,784)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Valparaiso if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.1% growth in Valparaiso over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$122,690 (2019) → $152,530 (2025)
Valparaiso, IN
$115,276 (2024) → $141,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Valparaiso, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov