Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Muncie, IN: $32.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Muncie, IN runs $32.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,564 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Muncie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,540 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Muncie, Indiana, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median rate of $32.48, slightly below the national average of $32.76. This competitive hourly rate is appealing for both part-time employees and those considering per-diem work in various healthcare settings, such as main operating rooms in hospitals and specialized surgical centers. For those working three days a week, the flexibility of a surgical technologist role allows for a balanced approach to work and personal life. Entry-level positions within Muncie can expect to earn around $23.18 per hour, while seasoned professionals may command up to $47.91 per hour, highlighting a broad spectrum of potential earnings for surgical technologists in the region. These hourly figures are derived from projected annual salary data, offering an insight into what one might earn as a pivotal part of the surgical team.
About the Muncie 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) | $23.18 | $185.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.31 | $218.47 |
| Median (P50) | $32.48 | $259.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.74 | $317.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.91 | $383.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muncie
Based on $32.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.48/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muncie, IN can expect to earn approximately $67,567 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,981. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muncie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muncie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,299.37 | $5,631 | $67,567 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.62 | $3,378 | $40,540 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.75 | $2,252 | $27,027 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Muncie) | $32.48 |
| 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 Muncie, IN earn a median of $67,564 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.85% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% above the Indiana state average of $66,631.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.48/hr = $40,540/year (purchasing power: $44,403).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,567/year (purchasing power: $74,006).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+54.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Muncie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Muncie grew 39.3% from $22.12/hr (2019) to $30.82/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.24/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 Muncie 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 Muncie
For those pursuing part-time work as a surgical technologist in Muncie, the earnings can translate to a significant income, even when only working 24 hours a week. This can amount to around $40,599 annually, showcasing that working fewer days doesn’t drastically diminish earning potential compared to full-time roles. Per diem and contract avenues present yet another layer of opportunity; surgical technologists can find that per diem surgical technologist pay in Muncie ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery reaching upwards of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts, particularly for those in high-demand specialties, can bring in $1,800 to $2,800 per week, further enhancing the potential for lucrative earnings. Employers such as hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty clinics vary in hourly wage offerings, leading many to negotiate based on benefits versus higher pay rates. Ultimately, understanding the market and the dynamic nature of hourly work can be invaluable for surgical technologists establishing their careers in Muncie’s healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Muncie, 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 Muncie. 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 Muncie 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