Surgical Technologist Salary in Portage, IN: $64,344 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Portage, IN earns a median $64,344/year (≈ $30.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Portage's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $70,475 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Indiana, the expected median salary for surgical technologists in 2026 is projected at $64,344, representing a 5.57% decrease compared to the national median of $68,141. The local salary range spans from $47,650 at the 10th percentile to $94,570 at the 90th percentile, which reflects a diverse employment landscape for surgical technologists. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost of living adjustments suggest that these professionals can see notable pay differentials, particularly those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgical procedures. As the Portage market continues to evolve, surgical technologists with advanced certifications or those willing to take on roles in high-demand specialties may find themselves well-compensated in this competitive field.
About the Portage Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,650 | $22.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,156 | $26.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,344 | $30.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,246 | $38.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,570 | $45.47 |
Median Salary Position
5.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portage
In Portage, IN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,920 (2026 est.). At $64,344, the local median is 5.57% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portage: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portage Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Portage median: $64,344/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $66,608 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.57% less |
Surgical Technologists in Portage, IN earn a median of $64,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.57% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.40% below the Indiana state average of $66,608.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portage 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.
Portage, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,344 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,475 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,608
2025 BLS Actual
$61,047
2026 Current Est.
$64,344
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,608 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,940 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,825 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,841 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,232 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,047 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,344 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,818 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portage metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,608 (2019) to $61,047 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,818 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,210 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portage 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) | $47,650 – $55,156 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,156 – $64,344 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,344 – $79,246 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,246 – $94,570 |
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 Portage
The job market for surgical technologists in Portage remains stable, with around 10 employed in the area. With a cost of living index at 91.3, the local economy offers a practical advantage for take-home salaries, allowing professionals to stretch their earnings further than in many other regions. High-paying opportunities can often be found in hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and VA surgical units, where the demand for specialized skills increases compensation. Factors contributing to salary variation include the complexity of surgical procedures, the need for certification in robotic-assisted surgeries, and the role of surgical first assistants, which typically commands a premium. To maximize surgical technologist pay in Portage IN, obtaining advanced certifications and seeking roles in high-revenue specialties are effective strategies, crucial for those navigating their career paths in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Portage, 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 $61,047 for surgical technologistsin the Portage 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 Portage 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