Fort Wayne vs Lafayette: Athletic Trainer Salary (2026)
Compare athletic trainer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,314 | $70,322▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.88 | $33.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,269 | $51,698▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,702 | $69,171▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,633 | $70,322▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $81,120▲ | $74,936 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne and Lafayette are closely matched on overall athletic trainer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Lafayette is $4,008 (6.04%). Lafayette's median is +7.50% compared to the US national median of $65,415.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $29,851,Lafayette spans $23,238. 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, Lafayette ($75,267 effective) pays 5.07% more than Fort Wayne ($71,635 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,120)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,322/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,267)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, athletic trainer salaries in Fort Wayne grew 28.5% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 69.0% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$49,340 (2022) → $63,380 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$39,780 (2020) → $67,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays athletic trainers more: Fort Wayne or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Lafayette as a athletic trainer?
What do entry-level athletic trainers earn in Fort Wayne vs Lafayette?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, ATC
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in athletic training. She specializes in injury prevention and rehabilitation. She has worked at several high schools and collegiate athletic programs.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.63% 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, MS, ATC, a licensed athletic trainer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov