East Chicago vs Fort Wayne: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between East Chicago, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,817 | $86,859▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.25 | $41.76▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,773 | $51,458▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,227 | $68,586▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $109,845▲ | $108,075 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,016▲ | $132,243 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Fort Wayne is $1,042 (1.21%). Fort Wayne's median is -17.82% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $83,243,Fort Wayne spans $80,785. East Chicago 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, East Chicago ($93,995 effective) pays 0.18% more than Fort Wayne ($93,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,016)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,995)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,859/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in East Chicago grew 3.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$78,565 (2024) → $81,668 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$60,550 (2021) → $82,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: East Chicago or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Fort Wayne as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in East Chicago vs Fort Wayne?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov