Elkhart vs Fort Wayne: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Elkhart, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,441▲ | $77,214 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.19▲ | $37.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,798 | $52,177▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,244▲ | $62,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,729▲ | $99,142 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,792▲ | $122,609 |
| Total Employed | 990 | 1,640▲ |
Verdict
Elkhart, IN offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Fort Wayne is $2,227 (2.88%). Elkhart's median is -7.48% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $79,994,Fort Wayne spans $70,432. Elkhart 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, Elkhart ($87,950 effective) pays 5.44% more than Fort Wayne ($83,410 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,441/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,792)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,950)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Elkhart grew 27.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.3% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$60,520 (2019) → $77,420 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$63,100 (2019) → $75,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov