East Chicago vs Indianapolis: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between East Chicago, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,312 | $67,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.92 | $32.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,575 | $54,302▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,092 | $64,652▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,073 | $82,128▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,623▲ | $84,952 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 860▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Indianapolis is $3,397 (5.28%). Indianapolis's median is -0.63% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $47,048,Indianapolis spans $30,650. East Chicago 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, Indianapolis ($70,754 effective) pays 0.45% more than East Chicago ($70,440 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,623)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,709/year)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,754)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in East Chicago grew 28.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$47,599 (2024) → $61,017 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$47,420 (2019) → $64,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: East Chicago or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Indianapolis as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in East Chicago vs Indianapolis?
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