Indianapolis vs South Bend: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,709 | $71,314▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.56 | $34.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,302 | $55,303▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,652▲ | $64,115 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,128 | $84,331▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,952 | $120,367▲ |
| Total Employed | 860▲ | 170 |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Indianapolis.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and South Bend is $3,605 (5.32%). South Bend's median is +4.66% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $30,650,South Bend spans $65,064. South Bend 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, South Bend ($76,799 effective) pays 8.54% 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 Indianapolis if…
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,314/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,367)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,799)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Indianapolis grew 35.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.2% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$47,420 (2019) → $64,240 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$48,970 (2019) → $67,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Indianapolis or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to South Bend as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Indianapolis vs South Bend?
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