Healthcare Fort Wayne, IN Pop. 263,886

Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The median registered nurse salary in Fort Wayne, IN is $69,037 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 5.6% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$69,037
vs State Avg
$-4,061
vs National
$-12,183
Cost of Living
85%

Registered Nurse Pay in Fort Wayne: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Wayne offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,037, which is $4,061 below the Indiana state average of $73,098. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Fort Wayne pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Wayne's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $69,037 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $81,220 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Wayne an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Fort Wayne spans from $48,790 at the 10th percentile to $102,680 at the 90th percentile — a $53,890 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,300, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,750. With a population of 263,886, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Wayne by Experience

In Fort Wayne, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,300
$-8,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$69,700
$-12,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,750
$-17,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Wayne, IN

Percentile Fort Wayne
10th Percentile $48,790
25th Percentile $56,780
Median (50th) $69,037
75th Percentile $85,935
90th Percentile $102,680

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$85,281
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$75,535
Pop. 887,642
Evansville, IN
$68,225
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$67,413
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Fort Wayne

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Fort Wayne and the surrounding Indiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Fort Wayne may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Fort Wayne

Browse open registered nurse positions in Fort Wayne, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Fort Wayne

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $69,037 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $48,790 (10th percentile) to $102,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Fort Wayne? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,037, a registered nurse in Fort Wayne earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Fort Wayne's median registered nurse salary of $69,037 is 5.6% below the Indiana state average of $73,098. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $69,037 in Fort Wayne has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Fort Wayne? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Fort Wayne require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.