Fort Wayne vs West Lafayette: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and West Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | West Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,542▲ | $49,147 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.82▲ | $23.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,588 | $32,564▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,072▲ | $38,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,585 | $62,909▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,751▲ | $76,179 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Lafayette.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and West Lafayette is $395 (0.80%). Fort Wayne's median is -7.61% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $65,163,West Lafayette spans $43,615. 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, West Lafayette ($53,830 effective) pays 0.58% more than Fort Wayne ($53,517 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 ($49,542/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,751)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose West Lafayette if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,830)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Fort Wayne grew 4.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in West Lafayette over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$46,770 (2019) → $48,810 (2025)
West Lafayette, IN
$47,947 (2024) → $48,421 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Fort Wayne or West Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and West Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to West Lafayette as a real estate agent?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov