Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $30.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in East Chicago, IN runs $30.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,312 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,594 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Chicago, Indiana, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $30.92, which is slightly below the national average of $32.76. This pay reflects the range of skills and responsibilities these professionals hold in various healthcare settings, including main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites. For part-time workers typically scheduled three days a week or those who choose per diem employment, this hourly rate provides significant flexibility. The pay range for surgical technologists in this area spans from $22.87 for entry-level positions to as much as $45.49 for experienced professionals. These figures are crucial for those considering a career in surgical technology, emphasizing the importance of both experience and the type of facility in determining potential earnings.
About the East Chicago 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) | $22.87 | $182.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.49 | $211.90 |
| Median (P50) | $30.92 | $247.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.02 | $304.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.49 | $363.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $30.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.92/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $64,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,109. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,236.97 | $5,360 | $64,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.18 | $3,216 | $38,594 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.79 | $2,144 | $25,729 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (East Chicago) | $30.92 |
| 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 East Chicago, IN earn a median of $64,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.62% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $66,644.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.92/hr = $38,594/year (purchasing power: $42,271).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,323/year (purchasing power: $70,452).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in East Chicago grew 33.9% from $21.92/hr (2019) to $29.34/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.59/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 East Chicago 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 East Chicago
Turning to part-time opportunities, a surgical technologist who works just three days a week for 24 hours receives a considerable annual income compared to full-time staff, providing a pathway for those seeking work-life balance. Per-diem surgical technologists often command billing rates between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialists in cardiovascular and neuro surgery sometimes making between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts can yield even more, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly for cardiac cases. East Chicago also showcases varying hourly rates based on the employer type, where larger hospitals may offer different compensation structures compared to specialized centers or military units. Some surgical technologists may opt for lower hourly wages when considering the benefits of health insurance and paid time off, while others favor higher pay rates without these perks. For those in the area, being informed about hourly negotiation tactics can further optimize their earning potential.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in East Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in East Chicago?
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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 East Chicago. 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 East Chicago 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