Surgical Technologist Salary in East Chicago, IN: $64,312 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in East Chicago, IN earns a median $64,312/year (≈ $30.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in East Chicago's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $70,440 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in East Chicago, Indiana, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,312, which is approximately 5.62% lower than the national median of $68,141. Salaries in this field can vary significantly, with a range stretching from $47,575 at the 10th percentile to $94,623 at the 90th percentile. These figures are estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost dynamics. The specialty of cardiovascular or neurosurgery brings a notable premium, as those roles generally command higher pay due to their complexity and the skills required, emphasizing the importance of specialization in maximizing income potential in a competitive healthcare environment.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,575 | $22.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,092 | $26.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,312 | $30.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,073 | $38.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,623 | $45.49 |
Median Salary Position
5.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Chicago
In East Chicago, IN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,048 (2026 est.). At $64,312, the local median is 5.62% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Chicago Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
East Chicago median: $64,312/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $66,644 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.62% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Chicago 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.
East Chicago, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,312 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,440 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,586
2025 BLS Actual
$61,017
2026 Current Est.
$64,312
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,586 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,917 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,803 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,815 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,204 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,599 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,017 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,312 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,785 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Chicago metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,586 (2019) to $61,017 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,785 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,199 (48.70%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,575 – $55,092 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,092 – $64,312 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,312 – $79,073 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,073 – $94,623 |
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 East Chicago
In East Chicago, there are currently five surgical technologists employed, reflecting a tight job market that can offer both challenges and opportunities for newcomers. The cost of living index in the area is 91.3, indicating a below-average cost of living, which can enhance take-home purchasing power despite slightly lower salaries compared to national averages. Among various employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focused on cardiothoracic procedures, typically offer the highest pay. Factors contributing to income disparities include specialization—cardiovascular and neurosurgery roles usually yield more than orthopedic or general surgery—along with additional certifications like robotic surgery and roles as surgical first assistants. For surgical technologists in East Chicago, pursuing certifications and experience in high-demand subspecialties can be key strategies to maximize earnings.
More salary data for East Chicago, 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 $61,017 for surgical technologistsin the East Chicago 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 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