Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $31.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Aurora, IL runs $31.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,817 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, IL, surgical technologists are expected to earn a median hourly pay of $31.10, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for those working part-time or per-diem roles in various surgical settings including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical units. For professionals in this field, the hourly range spans from $21.91 at entry-level positions to as much as $47.01 for top earners. These rates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the competitive landscape these surgical technologists navigate as they perform critical tasks in the operating theater and sterile processing departments.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.91 | $175.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.34 | $202.71 |
| Median (P50) | $31.10 | $248.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.56 | $308.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.01 | $376.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $31.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.10/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,695 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,324. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,244.14 | $5,391 | $64,695 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $746.48 | $3,235 | $38,817 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.66 | $2,157 | $25,878 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Aurora) | $31.10 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Aurora, IL earn a median of $64,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $65,489.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.10/hr = $38,817/year (purchasing power: $39,977).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,695/year (purchasing power: $66,628).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Aurora grew 33.9% from $22.05/hr (2019) to $29.51/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Aurora
Focusing on earning potential, a surgical technologist working part-time, say three days a week for a total of 24 hours, would take home roughly $38,124 annually, compared to full-time counterparts. The per diem surgical technologist pay in Aurora can vary widely, with many billing between $35 and $55 per hour, making it a lucrative option for those willing to take on temporary assignments. Specialized per-diem roles, especially in cardiovascular and neuro surgery, can command hourly rates between $50 and $75. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts present compelling weekly earnings, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. It’s noteworthy that hourly rates differ based on the employer, with hospitals and specialized surgical centers typically offering varying compensation structures. Surgical technologists often weigh the trade-offs of higher pay without benefits against more stable employment options that include health insurance. Understanding these dynamics allows professionals in Aurora to negotiate effectively based on their specific circumstances and career goals.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Aurora in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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