Surgical Technologist Salary in Valparaiso, IN: $65,707 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Valparaiso, IN earns a median $65,707/year (≈ $31.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Valparaiso's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $71,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The 2026 median annual salary for surgical technologists in Valparaiso, Indiana, is projected to be $65,707, reflecting a compelling career opportunity for those interested in this essential healthcare role. With salaries ranging from $47,230 at the lower end to an impressive $93,056 for experienced professionals, individuals can find a rewarding career path that allows for specialization and advancement. This estimate incorporates regional data adjustments reflecting the cost of living and regional job market dynamics. Notably, those focusing on cardiovascular and neurosurgery specialties often enjoy significantly higher compensation compared to their general surgery counterparts, underscoring the benefits of targeting high-demand areas within surgical technology.
About the Valparaiso Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,230 | $22.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,474 | $26.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,707 | $31.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,584 | $37.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,056 | $44.74 |
Median Salary Position
3.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valparaiso
In Valparaiso, IN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,826 (2026 est.). At $65,707, the local median is 3.57% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Valparaiso: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Valparaiso Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Valparaiso median: $65,707/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valparaiso Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $66,640 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.57% less |
Surgical Technologists in Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $65,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.57% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $66,640.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valparaiso 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.
Valparaiso, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,707 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,968 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,575
2025 BLS Actual
$62,341
2026 Current Est.
$65,707
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,575 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,935 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,797 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,961 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,445 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,632 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,341 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,707 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,256 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valparaiso metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,575 (2019) to $62,341 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,256 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,681 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valparaiso 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) | $47,230 – $55,474 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,474 – $65,707 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,707 – $78,584 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,584 – $93,056 |
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 Valparaiso
Currently, Valparaiso employs nine surgical technologists, indicating a stable demand for these professionals in the local healthcare market. The area's cost of living index of 91.3 suggests that while salaries may slightly lag behind national averages, the purchasing power for surgical technologists can be favorable. Employers such as hospitals and specialty surgical centers frequently offer higher pay rates, especially for those holding certifications in robotic surgery or taking on additional responsibilities as surgical first assistants. The variation in salaries is often influenced by factors such as specialty focus, the complexity of procedures undertaken, and call coverage requirements. To maximize earnings in Valparaiso, surgical technologists can consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking positions in high-paying specialties, or exploring travel surgical tech opportunities, all of which can enhance both their salaries and professional experience.
More salary data for Valparaiso, 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 $62,341 for surgical technologistsin the Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso 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