Surgical Technologist Salary in Indianapolis, IN: $67,709 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Indianapolis, IN earns a median $67,709/year (≈ $32.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Indianapolis's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.7), that paycheck buys what $70,754 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Indianapolis, the surgical technologist salary is projected to reach a median of $67,709 in 2026, offering competitive compensation within both the local and national markets. The salary range is estimated to be between $54,302 and $84,952, reflecting variations in experience, certification, and specific employment settings. This data is derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, illustrating how the regional market caters to diverse surgical environments, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, Indianapolis remains a vibrant hub for surgical technologists seeking both stable employment and quality formation in various medical disciplines specializing in fields like orthopedic or cardiac surgery.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,302 | $26.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $64,652 | $31.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,709 | $32.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,128 | $39.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,952 | $40.84 |
Median Salary Position
0.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Indianapolis
In Indianapolis, IN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,650 (2026 est.). At $67,709, the local median is 0.63% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Indianapolis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Indianapolis Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Indianapolis median: $67,709/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Indianapolis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $66,643 | +1.60% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -0.63% less |
Surgical Technologists in Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $67,709 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.63% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% above the Indiana state average of $66,643.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Indianapolis has a cost of living 4.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Indianapolis, IN has a cost-of-living index of 95.696 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $67,709 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,754 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.5% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,420
2025 BLS Actual
$64,240
2026 Current Est.
$67,709
2019–2027 Growth
+50.5%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,420 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,670 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,660 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,240 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,709 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,365 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indianapolis metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 35.5% from $47,420 (2019) to $64,240 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,365 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,945 (50.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indianapolis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,302 – $64,652 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $64,652 – $67,709 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,709 – $82,128 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,128 – $84,952 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Indianapolis
Analyzing the job market for surgical technologists in Indianapolis reveals an employed base of 860 professionals striving for growth within the evolving healthcare sector. The cost of living index, sitting at 95.696, suggests that take-home pay in this city offers considerable purchasing power relative to other regions. Surgical technologists working in hospital operating rooms typically earn higher wages compared to those in outpatient settings, with specialties like cardiovascular and neuro surgery commanding premium compensation. Factors influencing salary discrepancies include call coverage, robotic surgery certifications, and roles as surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize pay, enhancing skills through CAAHEP-accredited programs and pursuing certifications such as the CST can set candidates apart, ultimately contributing to career advancement and improved earnings within this dynamic market.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $64,240 for surgical technologistsin the Indianapolis metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov