Fort Wayne vs South Bend: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager 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 | $108,943▲ | $104,630 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.38▲ | $50.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,143▲ | $66,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,210▲ | $82,426 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,529▲ | $131,923 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,847▲ | $175,628 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and South Bend is $4,313 (4.12%). Fort Wayne's median is -8.39% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $111,704,South Bend spans $109,108. 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 ($117,685 effective) pays 4.44% more than South Bend ($112,677 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 ($108,943/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,847)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,685)
- ✓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, construction manager salaries in Fort Wayne grew 22.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$86,060 (2019) → $105,340 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$89,990 (2019) → $101,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov