Evansville vs Indianapolis: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Evansville, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,688 | $67,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.55 | $32.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,127▲ | $54,302 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,875▲ | $64,652 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,811 | $82,128▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,237▲ | $84,952 |
| Total Employed | 180 | 860▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Evansville and Indianapolis is $21 (0.03%). 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 Evansville spans $28,110,Indianapolis spans $30,650. Indianapolis 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, Evansville ($73,953 effective) pays 4.52% more than Indianapolis ($70,754 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,237)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,953)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,709/year)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Evansville grew 38.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$46,420 (2019) → $64,220 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$47,420 (2019) → $64,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Evansville or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Indianapolis as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Evansville 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