Elkhart vs Evansville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Elkhart, IN and Evansville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Evansville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,619 | $67,688▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.59 | $32.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,377 | $57,127▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,944 | $65,875▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $71,798 | $81,811▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,732▲ | $85,237 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elkhart.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Evansville is $4,069 (6.40%). Evansville's median is -0.66% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $46,355,Evansville spans $28,110. Elkhart 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, Evansville ($73,953 effective) pays 5.00% more than Elkhart ($70,433 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,732)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,688/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,953)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Elkhart grew 31.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.3% growth in Evansville over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$45,750 (2019) → $60,360 (2025)
Evansville, IN
$46,420 (2019) → $64,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Evansville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Elkhart or Evansville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and Evansville?
Should I relocate from Elkhart to Evansville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Elkhart vs Evansville?
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