Fort Wayne vs Kokomo: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Kokomo, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Kokomo, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,550▲ | $65,606 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.99▲ | $31.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,784▲ | $48,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,497▲ | $56,749 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,983▲ | $79,465 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,983 | $99,282▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kokomo.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Kokomo is $944 (1.44%). Fort Wayne's median is -2.33% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $23,199,Kokomo spans $50,341. Kokomo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fort Wayne ($71,890 effective) pays 0.05% more than Kokomo ($71,858 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 ($66,550/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,890)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Kokomo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,282)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Fort Wayne grew 30.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Kokomo over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$48,310 (2019) → $63,140 (2025)
Kokomo, IN
$48,557 (2024) → $62,245 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Kokomo, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fort Wayne or Kokomo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Kokomo?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Kokomo as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fort Wayne vs Kokomo?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov