Fort Wayne vs Richmond: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Richmond, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Richmond, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,629▲ | $39,337 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.05▲ | $18.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,690▲ | $31,140 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,787▲ | $36,378 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,604▲ | $42,755 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,906▲ | $45,776 |
| Total Employed | 3,610▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richmond.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Richmond is $292 (0.74%). Fort Wayne's median is -11.95% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $12,216,Richmond spans $14,636. Richmond has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Richmond ($43,085 effective) pays 0.65% more than Fort Wayne ($42,809 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 ($39,629/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,906)
- ✓Larger job market (3,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,085)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Fort Wayne grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$28,330 (2019) → $37,210 (2025)
Richmond, IN
$30,208 (2024) → $36,936 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Richmond, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Fort Wayne or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Richmond as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Fort Wayne vs Richmond?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov