Fort Wayne vs Merrillville: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Merrillville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Merrillville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,904▲ | $56,466 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.28▲ | $27.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,325▲ | $32,750 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,644▲ | $46,104 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,958▲ | $72,276 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,402▲ | $87,522 |
| Total Employed | 66▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Merrillville is $4,438 (7.86%). Fort Wayne's median is -5.61% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $59,077,Merrillville spans $54,772. 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 ($66,708 effective) pays 7.86% more than Merrillville ($61,847 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 ($60,904/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,402)
- ✓Larger job market (66 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,708)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Fort Wayne grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.5% growth in Merrillville over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$54,789 (2024) → $60,010 (2025)
Merrillville, IN
$50,796 (2024) → $55,637 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Merrillville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.49% 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 Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov