Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Gary, IN: $32.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Gary, IN runs $32.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,698 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Gary's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,014 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gary, Indiana, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $32.06 in 2026, which places it slightly below the national median of $32.76 per hour. For those working part-time, typically around three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a reliable income while allowing flexibility in scheduling. Per-diem workers in this occupation could command higher rates, often working in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities, where they can expect hourly earnings that reflect their skills and experience. The hourly range for surgical technologists in Gary spans from $22.21 (entry-level positions) to approximately $49.59 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the variations in pay based on specialization and demand.
About the Gary 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) | $22.21 | $177.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.46 | $211.64 |
| Median (P50) | $32.06 | $256.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.78 | $310.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.59 | $396.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gary
Based on $32.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.06/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gary, IN can expect to earn approximately $66,690 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,475. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,282.51 | $5,558 | $66,690 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $769.50 | $3,335 | $40,014 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.00 | $2,223 | $26,676 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Gary) | $32.06 |
| 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 Gary, IN earn a median of $66,698 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.12% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $66,632.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.06/hr = $40,014/year (purchasing power: $43,827).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,690/year (purchasing power: $73,045).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Gary grew 33.9% from $22.73/hr (2019) to $30.42/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.79/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 Gary 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 Gary
Looking at the potential annual income for part-time surgical technologists, those working 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $50,000 per year, a significant figure when compared to full-time colleagues. Those seeking per diem work, particularly in specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, can earn between $35 and $55 per hour, whereas contracts with travel agencies may offer enticing pay between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. Hourly pay rates can depend on the type of employer; hospitals may offer more benefits, while ambulatory centers might provide higher pay without the extras. It’s essential for surgical technologists in Gary to consider the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance. Negotiating for an advantageous hourly wage while factoring in the full compensation package becomes vital for professionals in this field as they explore opportunities throughout the region.
More salary data for Gary, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Gary. 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 Gary 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