South Bend vs West Lafayette: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between South Bend, IN and West Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | South Bend, IN | West Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $475,634▲ | $440,129 |
| Hourly Rate | $228.67▲ | $211.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $275,868▲ | $255,275 |
| 25th Percentile | $342,456▲ | $316,892 |
| 75th Percentile | $571,031▲ | $531,396 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $670,653▲ | $616,603 |
| Total Employed | 26▲ | 8 |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Lafayette.
The salary gap between South Bend and West Lafayette is $35,505 (8.07%). 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 South Bend spans $394,785,West Lafayette spans $361,328. South Bend 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, South Bend ($520,957 effective) pays 8.07% more than West Lafayette ($482,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose West Lafayette if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in South Bend grew 30.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in West Lafayette over the same period.
South Bend, IN
$348,571 (2024) → $452,985 (2025)
West Lafayette, IN
$322,551 (2024) → $419,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Bend, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
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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