Fort Wayne vs Gary: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Gary, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Gary, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,634▲ | $74,969 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.25▲ | $36.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,403▲ | $45,378 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,635▲ | $56,745 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,634 | $94,187▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,156 | $116,202▲ |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gary.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Gary is $6,665 (8.89%). Fort Wayne's median is +3.94% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $29,753,Gary spans $70,824. Gary has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($88,184 effective) pays 7.39% more than Gary ($82,113 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 ($81,634/year)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,184)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Gary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,202)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Fort Wayne grew 36.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Gary over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$57,870 (2019) → $79,210 (2025)
Gary, IN
$56,679 (2024) → $72,743 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov