Surf Search specializes in life science recruiting in the Indianapolis area. As recruiters focused on this niche for many years, we have deep knowledge of life science industries, strong relationships with our partner companies, and an enormous candidate talent pool. We are recognized in the life sciences recruiting industry as recruiters who source and place highly desirable life science candidates across the country.
Dubbed the Amateur Sports Capital of the World and the Racing Capital of the World, Indy is a fun and exciting city to build a career and a home. Indianapolis, Indiana hosts huge events left and right and is known as a lively, friendly, and hospitable place to visit. Numerous museums and art parks also add to the vibrance of the city. The world-famous American Indian and Western Art Museum, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, and the NCAA Headquarters are only a few of the reasons many visit the city yearly. While many Hoosiers remain healthy by sweating it out in sports and games, there are still numerous huge medical facilities in the area including the Indiana Health University Hospital. The Indiana University School of Medicine prepares these medical professionals to provide excellent healthcare to patients from all over the country. Today, more than 55,000 Indiana residents are employed in close to 1,700 life science companies across the state.
Trust Surf Search. We have an understanding of the life sciences job market in Indianapolis, both from the candidate’s and hiring manager’s perspective. We know how important it is to identify top biotech, healthcare, medical device and pharma talent. Our extensive regional network means top candidates AND top companies. Our detailed screening and interviewing process identifies uniquely qualified candidates who not only excel technically but are also a cultural fit for your company.
Part of Surf Search’s life sciences recruiting practice.
2026 salary guide
Compare the guide’s low, median and high salary figures before setting your hiring budget.
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) | $120,000 | $231,000 | $391,000 |
| Clinical Specialist, Biotechnology | $64,000 | $96,000 | $156,000 |
| Epidemiologist | $58,000 | $84,000 | $121,000 |
| Genetic Counselor | $64,000 | $85,000 | $106,000 |
| Microbiologist | $44,000 | $57,000 | $78,000 |
| Quality Control Analyst, Biotechnology | $46,000 | $61,000 | $82,000 |
| Research Scientist, Biotechnology | $56,000 | $96,000 | $148,000 |
| Toxicologist | $56,000 | $97,000 | $153,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Operations Manager | $56,000 | $96,000 | $145,000 |
| Family Physician / Doctor | $100,000 | $211,000 | $311,000 |
| Hospital Administrator | $62,000 | $104,000 | $171,000 |
| Medical Director, Medicine | $181,000 | $322,000 | $469,000 |
| Medical Director, Utilization Review (UR) | $181,000 | $322,000 | $469,000 |
| Nurse Case Manager | $71,000 | $86,000 | $103,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner (NP) | $95,000 | $121,000 | $156,000 |
| Physician / Doctor, General Practice | $100,000 | $211,000 | $311,000 |
| Physician / Doctor, Internal Medicine | $123,000 | $240,000 | $344,000 |
| Physician Assistant (PA) | $86,000 | $115,000 | $155,000 |
| Product Manager, Healthcare | $73,000 | $114,000 | $150,000 |
| Quality Management (QM) Director | $88,000 | $153,000 | $230,000 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $58,000 | $73,000 | $88,000 |
| Research Analyst, Healthcare | $38,000 | $73,000 | $98,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Engineer, Medical Devices | $62,000 | $97,000 | $135,000 |
| Clinical Specialist, Medical Devices | $60,000 | $94,000 | $132,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineer, Medical Devices | $59,000 | $82,000 | $110,000 |
| Medical Device Sales Representative | $49,000 | $85,000 | $132,000 |
| Product Manager, Medical Devices | $90,000 | $108,000 | $135,000 |
| Quality Engineer, Medical Devices | $66,000 | $89,000 | $112,000 |
| Role | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Coordinator | $46,000 | $71,000 | $107,000 |
| Clinical Manager | $70,000 | $100,000 | $137,000 |
| Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) | $50,000 | $66,000 | $85,000 |
| Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals | $103,000 | $161,000 | $237,000 |
| Medical Director, Medicine | $181,000 | $322,000 | $469,000 |
| Medical Science Liaison | $104,000 | $176,000 | $224,000 |
| Project Manager, Pharmaceuticals | $71,000 | $104,000 | $150,000 |
| Research Scientist | $60,000 | $92,000 | $134,000 |
| Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals | $60,000 | $101,000 | $131,000 |
Surf Search’s 2026 guide publishes these median annual salary figures for Indianapolis: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO): $231,000; Quality Management (QM) Director: $153,000; Medical Device Sales Representative: $85,000; Quality Engineer, Medical Devices: $89,000; Director, Quality Management, Pharmaceuticals: $161,000; Medical Science Liaison: $176,000; Sales Representative, Pharmaceuticals: $101,000. Compare the low and high figures in the tables above as well. The roles represent different responsibilities and levels, so use the matching role as a starting point and discuss your particular assignment with our team.
Source: Surf Search Life Sciences 2026 Salary Guide. Published annual salary figures; individual offers depend on the role, experience and compensation package.
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