Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in West Lafayette, IN: $31.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in West Lafayette, IN runs $31.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,571 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against West Lafayette's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,343 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Lafayette, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $31.53, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This compensation reflects the earning power for both full-time and part-time surgical technologists, particularly those working in hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers. Part-time professionals who work around three days a week can anticipate a stable income, earning proportionately from the hourly rate while capitalizing on flexible scheduling. The disparity in earnings ranges from $23.70 at the entry-level (P10) to $46.83 for the most experienced technicians (P90), showcasing the potential for advancement in this in-demand role across various clinical settings, including robotic surgery and trauma units. All hourly rates provided here are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
About the West Lafayette 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) | $23.70 | $189.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.29 | $218.30 |
| Median (P50) | $31.53 | $252.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.03 | $312.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.83 | $374.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Lafayette
Based on $31.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.53/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Lafayette, IN can expect to earn approximately $65,572 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,830. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in West Lafayette.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Lafayette
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,261.01 | $5,464 | $65,572 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $756.60 | $3,279 | $39,343 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $504.40 | $2,186 | $26,229 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (West Lafayette) | $31.53 |
| 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 West Lafayette, IN earn a median of $65,571 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.77% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.60% below the Indiana state average of $66,638.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.53/hr = $39,343/year (purchasing power: $43,092).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,572/year (purchasing power: $71,821).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in West Lafayette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in West Lafayette grew 33.9% from $22.35/hr (2019) to $29.91/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.23/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 West Lafayette 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 West Lafayette
Focusing on part-time opportunities, a surgical technologist in West Lafayette working 24 hours weekly would have annual earnings significantly affected by their schedule. Full-time professionals generally see greater income consistency compared to their part-time counterparts. Per diem surgical technologists frequently earn between $35-$55 per hour, with specialists in cardiovascular and neurosurgery sometimes commanding rates as high as $50-$75 per hour. Travel contracts for surgical technologists can also be lucrative, offering between $1,800-$2,800 weekly, especially for cardiac roles, which tend to be premium-paying positions. Hourly rates can also vary depending on the employer type; those working in hospital operating rooms may earn less than colleagues in specialty surgical centers or military surgical units, who might enjoy a higher base pay. When negotiating hourly rates, candidates should consider their need for benefits versus the higher pay of positions that offer few, and striking a balance can lead to better job satisfaction. Exploring certification in robotic surgery or specialized fields can further enhance earning potential in this competitive profession.
More salary data for West Lafayette, 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 West Lafayette. 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 West Lafayette 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