Surgical Technologist Jobs in Indianapolis, IN
Surgical technologists in Indianapolis earn a metro median near $30.89 an hour, and the operating rooms at IU Health Methodist, a Level 1 trauma center, and Eskenazi Health staff day, evening and overnight lines. Here are the current openings, followed by who hires and what Indiana law requires before you scrub in.
Current surgical technologist Openings in Indianapolis, IN
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Surgical Technologist Work in Indianapolis
Most surgical technologist jobs in Indianapolis cluster on the near west side, where IU Health Methodist on North Senate Boulevard runs 29 operating suites as a Level 1 trauma center and Eskenazi Health staffs its main operating rooms and burn surgery suite a short drive away off West 10th Street. The Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center adds a surgery service on the same stretch of 10th Street, and Community Health Network covers the east side at Community Hospital East on Ritter Avenue and the south side near Greenwood.
Shifts here are not all 7 to 3. Eskenazi posts 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. CST lines, VA operating room schedules ran as late as 7:30 p.m. with weekend and holiday call, and Eskenazi lists a 30-minute call-back. Eskenazi and IU Health also take new graduates, as long as they earn the CST credential soon after starting.
Top Indianapolis Employers for Surgical Technologists
These Indianapolis hospitals hire surgical technologists for main operating rooms, specialty suites and labor and delivery:
- Eskenazi Health - the county public hospital hires Certified Surgical Technologists for its main OR, burn OR and PRN pool, and takes new graduates.
- IU Health - hires surgical skilled technologists for the 29 operating suites at Methodist, its Level 1 trauma center.
- Community Health Network - hires CSTs for operating rooms and maternity services at Community East and its south side hospital near Greenwood.
- Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center - the VA hospital hires surgical technicians for its operating room on the federal GS scale.
Surgical Technologist Salaries in Indianapolis
- Entry level: about $24 to $29 per hour for new graduates and first-year CSTs.
- Experienced: roughly $29.50 to $37 per hour for CSTs with a few years in the OR.
- Senior: about $37 to $39 or more per hour for specialty, lead and heart or trauma room techs.
These are estimates based on federal wage data for the Indianapolis metro and pay published by local employers. The CST credential, specialty experience such as cardiovascular or neuro, night and weekend lines, and call pay all raise earnings. A VA surgical technician posting in 2026 listed $51,008 a year.
How to Become a Surgical Technologist in Indianapolis
Indiana does not issue a state license for surgical technologists, but state law (IC 25-36.1) limits who may practice surgical technology in a health care facility. You must hold a national surgical technologist certification, have finished a military surgical technology program, or be within 12 months of graduating from an accredited surgical technology program, and certified techs must complete 15 hours of continuing education each year. In practice, local hospitals ask for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis offers a CAAHEP-accredited Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology (62 credits, five semesters) that prepares students for the CST exam, plus a Central Service Technician certificate for sterile processing.
What the Job Involves
Surgical technologists set up the operating room before each case, sterilize and arrange instruments, drape the patient and keep the sterile field intact. During surgery they pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon, anticipate the next step, count sponges and sharps with the circulating nurse, and handle specimens. After the case they break down the room and send instruments to sterile processing.
Skills Employers Look For
- CST certification from the NBSTSA
- Strict sterile technique
- Instrument knowledge across surgical specialties
- Basic Life Support certification
- Calm focus during long or emergency cases
- Ability to stand for hours and lift patients and trays
Career Path and Advancement
Many Indianapolis techs start in a general OR at Eskenazi, Methodist or a Community hospital, then specialize in cardiovascular, neuro, orthopedic or trauma cases, which pay more and carry more call. From there the ladder runs to lead technician, OR educator or a surgical first assistant credential. Some move into sterile processing management, and others use the OR experience as a step into nursing school.
Related Careers in Indianapolis
If operating room work interests you, these related Indianapolis healthcare roles are close matches:
- Registered Nurse Jobs
- Radiologic Technologist Jobs
- Certified Nursing Assistant Jobs
- Pharmacy Technician Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a surgical technologist in Indiana?
Indiana has no state license for surgical technologists. State law does require that anyone practicing surgical technology in a facility hold a national certification, have military training, or be within 12 months of graduating from an accredited program. Indianapolis hospitals typically require the CST credential.
How much do surgical technologists make in Indianapolis?
Federal wage data puts the Indianapolis metro median near $30.89 an hour, or about $64,240 a year. Most techs earn between roughly $24.75 and $38.75 an hour, with specialty and call pay at the top.
Can new graduates get surgical tech jobs in Indianapolis?
Yes. Eskenazi Health hires new graduates who earn the CST within 45 days of starting, and IU Health gives new hires four months to certify. Finishing an accredited program such as the Ivy Tech Indianapolis AAS is the usual way in.
How long does surgical tech school take in Indianapolis?
The Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology runs five semesters, about two years. You then sit for the national CST exam before or soon after you start work.
Do Indianapolis surgical techs take call?
Many do. Eskenazi lists a 30-minute call-back time, and the VA operating room schedule included weekend, weeknight and holiday call. Eskenazi also posts evening and overnight CST lines, so expect some nights or weekends early in your career.
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