Franklin vs Indianapolis: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Franklin, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,485 | $67,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48 | $32.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,975 | $54,302▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,011 | $64,652▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,562 | $82,128▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,458▲ | $84,952 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 860▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and Indianapolis is $2,224 (3.40%). 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 Franklin spans $47,483,Indianapolis spans $30,650. Franklin 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, Franklin ($71,725 effective) pays 1.37% 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 Franklin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,458)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,725)
- ✓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 Franklin grew 28.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
Franklin, IN
$48,468 (2024) → $62,130 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$47,420 (2019) → $64,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Franklin or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from Franklin to Indianapolis as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Franklin 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