Evansville vs Fort Wayne: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Evansville, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,993▲ | $51,267 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.48▲ | $24.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,892 | $39,870▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,170 | $47,388▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,912▲ | $61,916 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,741▲ | $66,273 |
| Total Employed | 350 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Evansville and Fort Wayne is $1,726 (3.37%). Evansville's median is -5.19% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $39,849,Fort Wayne spans $26,403. Evansville 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, Evansville ($57,898 effective) pays 4.55% more than Fort Wayne ($55,381 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,993/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,741)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,898)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Evansville grew 31.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$38,760 (2019) → $50,960 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$37,590 (2019) → $49,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Evansville or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Fort Wayne as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Evansville vs Fort Wayne?
Related Comparisons
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov