Surgical Technologist Salary in Columbus, IN: $65,636 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Columbus, IN earns a median $65,636/year (≈ $31.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $71,890 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Indiana, surgical technologists can anticipate a median annual salary of $65,636 in 2026, reflecting a slight decrease compared to the national figure of $68,141. This salary range extends from $47,334 at the lower end (P10) to $92,649 at the upper end (P90), providing a varied earning potential for professionals in local operating rooms. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the importance of choosing the right employment setting. Whether working in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical facilities, the structural choice greatly influences compensation outcomes. The job market in Columbus demonstrates stability, constituting opportunities for surgical technologists to enhance their careers in medical settings that align with their specialties.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,334 | $22.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,323 | $26.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,636 | $31.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,510 | $37.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,649 | $44.54 |
Median Salary Position
3.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, IN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,315 (2026 est.). At $65,636, the local median is 3.68% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Columbus Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Columbus median: $65,636/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $66,635 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.68% less |
Surgical Technologists in Columbus, IN earn a median of $65,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.68% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the Indiana state average of $66,635.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,636 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,890 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,524
2025 BLS Actual
$62,273
2026 Current Est.
$65,636
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,882 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,746 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,903 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,382 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,579 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,273 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,636 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,180 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,524 (2019) to $62,273 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,180 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,656 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,334 – $55,323 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,323 – $65,636 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,636 – $78,510 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,510 – $92,649 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Columbus
The surgical technologist job market in Columbus currently employs nine individuals within this role, indicating a relatively niche field. With a cost-of-living index at 91.3, salaries here afford a purchasing power that aligns with local economic conditions. Among various employers, hospital operating rooms generally offer higher surgical technologist pay in Columbus, especially when opportunities arise in specialized areas such as cardiovascular, orthopedic, and neurosurgery. Factors like call coverage, experience in robotic surgery, and specialized roles like surgical first assistant can significantly drive up earnings. Those looking to maximize their surgical technologist salary in Columbus IN should consider obtaining certifications in high-demand specialties and pursuing travel assignments, which tend to come with premium rates. Staying informed about the evolving standards and recommendations from organizations like AST and NBSTSA can be beneficial in navigating career advancement.
More salary data for Columbus, 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,273 for surgical technologistsin the Columbus metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Columbus 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