Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Quincy, IL: $44,244 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Quincy, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,244 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,565 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,585) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Illinois, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field can realistically expect a starting salary around $44,244 in 2026. This figure represents the 10th percentile for the profession, highlighting that entry-level positions can vary significantly from the city’s median annual salary of $63,585. For recent graduates, the pathway to salary growth appears promising, with potential earnings increasing to $54,865 at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience over the first few years. Given Quincy’s cost of living index of 97.1, which is below the national average, the entry-level surgical technologist salary in Quincy presents a feasible opportunity for newcomers looking to establish their careers in a supportive local healthcare environment.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Entry-level surgical technologists in Quincy, IL typically start between $44,244 and $54,865 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $49,940 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,585 — 6.69% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Illinois of $14,000 represents just 31.64% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($44,244/year) in Quincy. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $44,244 to $54,865, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Quincy, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Quincy is $49,940 ( 112.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,244, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,184.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,537
2025 BLS Actual
$41,977
2026 Current Est.
$44,244
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,537 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,177 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,744 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,508 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,134 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,811 | Actual |
| 2025 | $41,977 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,244 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,633 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, IL grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,537 in 2019 to $41,977 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $46,633. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Quincy
When considering employment opportunities, major hospitals in the Quincy area are the most likely to hire recent graduates who have completed a CAAHEP-accredited program and earned their CST certification through NBSTSA. While these institutions typically offer general specialty rotations for entry-level surgical technologists, ambulatory surgery centers provide a desirable no-call work-life balance for new hires. To enhance starting pay prospects, it is advisable for graduates to pursue additional credentials or certifications, such as a robotic surgery qualification or CSFA for surgical first assistant roles, which can significantly boost their marketability. The industry standard established since 2021 stresses both CST certification and accredited training as essential for securing employment. Those who specialize in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery may uncover even greater financial rewards as they build their careers, with realistic salary increments anticipated during the first three years of employment in Quincy.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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