Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,508▲ | $100,236 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.32▲ | $48.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,941 | $75,120▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,033 | $84,033▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,889▲ | $115,587 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,824▲ | $132,588 |
| Total Employed | 66▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $272 (0.27%). Fort Wayne's median is -5.54% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $65,883,South Bend spans $57,468. Fort Wayne 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, Fort Wayne ($110,085 effective) pays 0.27% more than South Bend ($109,788 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 ($100,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,824)
- ✓Larger job market (66 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,085)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 29.2% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$74,140 (2020) → $95,758 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$79,135 (2024) → $95,499 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.96% 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 Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov