CertOutlook

Surgical Technologist in Indiana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$61,610
trending_down -1.9% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Indiana.

engineering
2,610

Jobs (IN)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$290

Licensing fees

schedule
12-24 months (program dependent)

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Indiana

To become a Surgical Technologist in Indiana, individuals are not required to hold a state license. However, to use the title "Certified Surgical Technologist" or the initials "CST," one must obtain and maintain national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). This typically involves completing a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and passing the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam. While not legally mandated by the state, many healthcare facilities in Indiana require this national certification for employment.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,970
25th percentile $53,690
50th (median) $61,610
75th percentile $68,940
90th (experienced) $77,390

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Indiana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Indiana requirements

Licensing bodyNational Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification; Indiana does not have a state license for Surgical Technologists.
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or a military surgical technology program.
ExamNBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($290)
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesIndiana does not require a state license for Surgical Technologists, but prohibits individuals from using the title "certified surgical technologist" or the initials "CST" unless they hold and maintain the CST credential from the NBSTSA. Many healthcare facilities in Indiana require national certification as a condition of employment. Renewal of the CST certification requires maintaining the national certification.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification; Indiana does not have a state license for Surgical Technologists.

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual openings
7,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
115,600
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.48/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a surgical technologist career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a surgical technologist in Indiana? expand_more
To become a surgical technologist in Indiana, you need to complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or a military surgical technology program.), and pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam.
Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Indiana? expand_more
surgical technologists in Indiana are not required to hold a state license. Note: Indiana does not require a state license for Surgical Technologists, but prohibits individuals from using the title "certified surgical technologist" or the initials "CST" unless they hold and maintain the CST credential from the NBSTSA. Many healthcare facilities in Indiana require national certification as a condition of employment. Renewal of the CST certification requires maintaining the national certification.
How much does a surgical technologist make in Indiana? expand_more
surgical technologists in Indiana earn a median of $61,610 annually. — within a few percent of the $62,830 national figure. The range spans from $46,970 at the entry level to $77,390 for top earners.
What's the total cost to get surgical technologist certified in Indiana? expand_more
The full cost to enter the field runs about varies, factoring in exam fee ($290) and required training.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in Indiana? expand_more
Expect to spend 12-24 months (program dependent) from start to finish in Indiana — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.
What are the continuing education requirements for surgical technologists in Indiana? expand_more
Indiana requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your surgical technologist license.

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