Evansville vs Fort Wayne: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Evansville, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,890 | $90,374▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.78 | $43.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,815 | $83,847▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,973 | $88,181▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,356▲ | $95,779 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,081▲ | $98,612 |
| Total Employed | 200 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Evansville and Fort Wayne is $3,484 (4.01%). Fort Wayne's median is -12.21% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $33,266,Fort Wayne spans $14,765. Evansville 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 ($97,626 effective) pays 2.84% more than Evansville ($94,933 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,081)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,374/year)
- ✓Larger job market (460 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,626)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Evansville grew 32.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$62,420 (2020) → $82,800 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$68,030 (2020) → $86,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Evansville or Fort Wayne?
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Should I relocate from Evansville to Fort Wayne as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Evansville vs Fort Wayne?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov