Evansville vs South Bend: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Evansville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,549 | $68,110▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.55 | $32.75▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,259▲ | $43,177 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,683 | $62,532▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,952 | $78,958▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,061 | $79,862▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 110 |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Evansville and South Bend is $4,561 (7.18%). South Bend's median is -3.04% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $29,802,South Bend spans $36,685. South Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Bend ($73,349 effective) pays 5.64% more than Evansville ($69,431 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,110/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,862)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,349)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Evansville grew 9.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$56,490 (2019) → $61,860 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$56,130 (2019) → $66,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Evansville or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Evansville to South Bend as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Evansville vs South Bend?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov