Graphic Designer Pay

Fort Wayne vs Schererville: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)

Compare graphic designer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Schererville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Fort Wayne, IN
$54,037
$25.98/hr
Schererville, IN
$52,300
$25.15/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFort Wayne, INSchererville, IN
Median Salary$54,037$52,300
Hourly Rate$25.98$25.15
Entry Level (P10)$39,670$32,854
25th Percentile$48,000$42,257
75th Percentile$67,494$65,684
Top Earner (P90)$86,523$81,065
Total Employed2707
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Fort Wayne ($54,037) and Schererville ($52,300) graphic designer salaries.Fort WayneScherervilleMedian Salary$54,037$52,300Entry Level (P10)$39,670$32,854Top Earner (P90)$86,523$81,065US Median $65,075

Verdict

Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Schererville.

The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Schererville is $1,737 (3.32%). Fort Wayne's median is -16.96% compared to the US national median of $65,075.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $46,853,Schererville spans $48,211. Schererville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.

Fort Wayne
P10 (Entry)$39,670
P25$48,000
Median$54,037
P75$67,494
P90 (Top)$86,523
Schererville
P10 (Entry)$32,854
P25$42,257
Median$52,300
P75$65,684
P90 (Top)$81,065

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($58,373 effective) pays 1.90% more than Schererville ($57,284 effective).

Fort Wayne
Nominal: $54,037
CoL Index: 92.572
Adjusted: $58,373
Schererville
Nominal: $52,300
CoL Index: 91.3
Adjusted: $57,284

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 ($54,037/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($86,523)
  • Larger job market (270 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,373)
  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Choose Schererville if…

  • You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Fort Wayne grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.7% growth in Schererville over the same period.

Fort Wayne, IN

+13.5%

$46,080 (2019) → $52,280 (2025)

Schererville, IN

+8.7%

$46,569 (2024) → $50,600 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays graphic designers more: Fort Wayne or Schererville?

Fort Wayne has a higher median graphic designer salary at $54,037/year, compared to Schererville at $52,300/year — a difference of $1,737 (3.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Schererville?

Fort Wayne graphic designers earn $25.98/hr while Schererville hygienists earn $25.15/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Schererville as a graphic designer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Fort Wayne and Schererville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Fort Wayne = $58,373, Schererville = $57,284), job availability (270 vs 7 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Fort Wayne vs Schererville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) graphic designers earn $39,670 in Fort Wayne and $32,854 in Schererville. The Fort Wayne area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MFA

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.

Clinically reviewed by Amina Patel, BFAData verified by Carlos Rodriguez, MA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov