East Chicago vs Fort Wayne: Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare veterinary technologist and technician salaries between East Chicago, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,718 | $51,094▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.42 | $24.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,205 | $39,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,511 | $41,556▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,094▲ | $58,363 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,835▲ | $60,399 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for veterinary technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Fort Wayne is $2,376 (4.88%). Fort Wayne's median is +2.22% compared to the US national median of $49,986.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $25,630,Fort Wayne spans $20,731. East Chicago 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 ($55,194 effective) pays 3.44% more than East Chicago ($53,360 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,835)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,094/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,194)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinary technologist and technician salaries in East Chicago grew 45.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.5% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$31,733 (2024) → $46,178 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$31,750 (2019) → $48,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinary technologist and technicians more: East Chicago or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Fort Wayne as a veterinary technologist and technician?
What do entry-level veterinary technologist and technicians earn in East Chicago vs Fort Wayne?
Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.50% 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, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov