Indianapolis vs Terre Haute: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Terre Haute, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Terre Haute, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,709 | $68,289▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.56 | $32.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,302▲ | $52,342 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,652▲ | $55,145 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,128▲ | $70,007 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,952▲ | $83,645 |
| Total Employed | 860▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Indianapolis and Terre Haute are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Terre Haute is $580 (0.86%). Terre Haute's median is +0.22% 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,Terre Haute spans $31,303. Terre Haute 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, Terre Haute ($77,781 effective) pays 9.93% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,952)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Terre Haute if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,289/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,781)
- ✓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 51.7% growth in Terre Haute over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$47,420 (2019) → $64,240 (2025)
Terre Haute, IN
$42,720 (2019) → $64,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Terre Haute, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Indianapolis or Terre Haute?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Terre Haute?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Terre Haute as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Indianapolis vs Terre Haute?
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