Fishers vs South Bend: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Fishers, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fishers, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,155▲ | $91,362 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.67▲ | $43.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,089▲ | $62,555 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,599▲ | $74,977 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,429▲ | $110,886 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,690▲ | $150,685 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Fishers, IN offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Fishers and South Bend is $7,793 (8.53%). Fishers's median is -7.46% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fishers spans $85,601,South Bend spans $88,130. South Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fishers ($108,604 effective) pays 10.38% more than South Bend ($98,389 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fishers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,155/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,690)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,604)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Fishers grew 15.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.4% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$83,798 (2024) → $96,342 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$82,690 (2019) → $88,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov