Fort Wayne vs Hobart: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Hobart, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Hobart, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,053▲ | $75,854 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.00▲ | $36.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,056 | $55,962▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,137▲ | $59,926 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,104▲ | $97,093 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,104 | $117,573▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hobart.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Hobart is $3,199 (4.22%). Fort Wayne's median is +20.86% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $56,048,Hobart spans $61,611. Hobart has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($85,396 effective) pays 2.79% more than Hobart ($83,082 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 ($79,053/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,396)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Hobart if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,573)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Fort Wayne grew 41.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 36.1% growth in Hobart over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$54,650 (2019) → $77,110 (2025)
Hobart, IN
$54,361 (2024) → $73,989 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Hobart, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov