Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer 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 | $54,037▲ | $53,096 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.98▲ | $25.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,670▲ | $38,109 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,000▲ | $46,192 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,494▲ | $63,721 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,523▲ | $80,404 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $941 (1.77%). 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,South Bend spans $42,295. 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 ($58,373 effective) pays 2.09% more than South Bend ($57,180 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 ($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 South Bend 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 17.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$46,080 (2019) → $52,280 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$43,770 (2019) → $51,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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