Fort Wayne vs New Albany: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and New Albany, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | New Albany, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,062▲ | $61,513 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.80▲ | $29.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,927 | $44,449▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,742 | $54,485▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,524▲ | $70,595 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,332 | $79,122▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to New Albany.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and New Albany is $2,549 (4.14%). Fort Wayne's median is -8.80% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $34,405,New Albany spans $34,673. New Albany 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, Fort Wayne ($69,202 effective) pays 2.71% more than New Albany ($67,375 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 ($64,062/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,202)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose New Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,122)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Fort Wayne grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in New Albany over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$53,110 (2019) → $62,360 (2025)
New Albany, IN
$54,642 (2024) → $59,878 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
New Albany, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Fort Wayne or New Albany?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and New Albany?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to New Albany as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Fort Wayne vs New Albany?
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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