Surgical Technologist Salary in Franklin, IN: $65,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Franklin, IN earns a median $65,485/year (≈ $31.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Franklin's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $71,725 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Franklin, IN, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $65,485, which falls slightly below the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this role in the area extends from $46,975 at the tenth percentile to $94,458 at the ninetieth percentile, offering variable earning potential based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, with adjustments for local cost-of-living factors, which highlight the economic landscape of Franklin. Given the presence of both hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, the job market for surgical technologists is competitive, encouraging professionals to pursue additional qualifications and specializations that can enhance their earnings and career prospects.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,975 | $22.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,011 | $26.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,485 | $31.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,562 | $38.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,458 | $45.42 |
Median Salary Position
3.9% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
In Franklin, IN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,483 (2026 est.). At $65,485, the local median is 3.9% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Franklin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Franklin Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Franklin median: $65,485/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Franklin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $66,618 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.90% less |
Surgical Technologists in Franklin, IN earn a median of $65,485 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.90% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.70% below the Indiana state average of $66,618.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Franklin 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.
Franklin, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,485 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,725 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$46,417
2025 BLS Actual
$62,130
2026 Current Est.
$65,485
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,417 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,772 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,638 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,779 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,130 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,021 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Franklin metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,417 (2019) to $62,130 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,021 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,604 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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) | $46,975 – $55,011 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,011 – $65,485 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,485 – $79,562 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,562 – $94,458 |
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 Franklin
With only six surgical technologists employed in Franklin, the local job market remains limited yet steady. The area's cost-of-living index is notably lower at 91.3, which positively impacts the purchasing power of these salaries. Employers that typically offer higher compensation include specialized surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic or cardiothoracic procedures. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include the type of surgical specialty, along with additional incentives for certifications in robotic surgery, call coverage, and roles as surgical first assistants. To maximize earnings in Franklin's market, surgical technologists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, such as holding a CSFA credential, as well as seeking positions within high-demand specialties. Engagement in continuing education and staying abreast of advancements in surgical technologies will also be beneficial for career advancement in this evolving field.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Franklin, IN in 2026?
Is Franklin, IN a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Franklin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Franklin?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Franklin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Indiana
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 $62,130 for surgical technologistsin the Franklin 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 Franklin 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