Merrillville vs South Bend: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Merrillville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrillville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $442,168 | $475,634▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $212.58 | $228.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $256,457 | $275,868▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $318,361 | $342,456▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $527,377 | $571,031▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $606,627 | $670,653▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 26▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Merrillville and South Bend is $33,466 (7.57%). South Bend's median is +7.63% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrillville spans $350,170,South Bend spans $394,785. South Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Bend ($520,957 effective) pays 7.57% more than Merrillville ($484,302 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($475,634/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($670,653)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $520,957)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Merrillville grew 30.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Merrillville, IN
$324,045 (2024) → $421,112 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$348,571 (2024) → $452,985 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrillville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologists more: Merrillville or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrillville and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Merrillville to South Bend as a radiologist?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov