Columbus vs Fort Wayne: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Columbus, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,181 | $60,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.46 | $29.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,066 | $47,774▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,260▲ | $49,733 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,103 | $73,776▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,094▲ | $80,219 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,980▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Fort Wayne is $1,205 (2.04%). Fort Wayne's median is -6.52% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $46,028,Fort Wayne spans $32,445. Columbus 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 ($65,231 effective) pays 0.63% more than Columbus ($64,820 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,094)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,386/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,231)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Columbus grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.8% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Columbus, IN
$47,500 (2019) → $58,607 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$49,910 (2019) → $59,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Columbus or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Fort Wayne as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Columbus vs Fort Wayne?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov