Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Carmel, IN: $32.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Carmel, IN runs $32.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Carmel's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,264 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carmel, Indiana, surgical technologists are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $32.26 in 2026, slightly lower than the national average of $32.76. This rate reflects compensation for professionals working in various settings, including hospital main operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers, offering opportunities for both full-time and part-time work. For those employed part-time, such as three days a week, this translates into a consistent income while maintaining work-life balance. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn around $23.88 per hour, while seasoned professionals, particularly those specializing in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, can command hourly rates up to $48.68. It's noteworthy that these figures are derived from annual salary data estimates, underscoring the importance of understanding the potential earnings based on hourly rates.
About the Carmel Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.88 | $191.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.77 | $222.18 |
| Median (P50) | $32.26 | $258.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.13 | $321.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.68 | $389.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carmel
Based on $32.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.26/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carmel, IN can expect to earn approximately $67,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,716. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carmel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carmel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,290.52 | $5,592 | $67,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.31 | $3,355 | $40,264 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.21 | $2,237 | $26,843 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Carmel) | $32.26 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Carmel, IN earn a median of $67,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.50% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.80% above the Indiana state average of $66,583.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.26/hr = $40,264/year (purchasing power: $44,101).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,107/year (purchasing power: $73,502).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Carmel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Carmel grew 33.9% from $22.87/hr (2019) to $30.61/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.01/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carmel metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Carmel
Exploring the earning potential for part-time surgical technologists in Carmel reveals a compelling scenario. A 3-day-per-week schedule typically amounts to around 24 hours of work, yielding an annual income significantly lower than full-time counterparts. On the other hand, per diem surgical technologists often take home between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialists in cardiovascular and neuro surgery sometimes earning as much as $50 to $75 hourly. Travel surgical technologist contracts offer even more lucrative opportunities, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Employers in Carmel, including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, provide varying rates depending on the complexity of procedures conducted. While some surgical technologists choose to accept lower hourly rates for the benefits that come with full-time employment, others prefer higher rates with no associated perks. Knowing how to effectively negotiate salary terms is essential, particularly in this competitive field, where skills like robotic surgery certification can set candidates apart in the hiring process.
More salary data for Carmel, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Carmel in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Carmel?
Are surgical technologists in Carmel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Carmel?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Carmel. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carmel is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov