Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Bloomington, IL: $34.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Bloomington, IL runs $34.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,092 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bloomington, IL, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $34.53, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $32.76. This competitive pay translates into favorable conditions for both part-time workers, typically working three days a week, and per-diem professionals, who often find placements in main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical facilities, and more. For surgical technologists at the entry-level, hourly rates start at $24.81, while experienced techs can earn up to $42.82 per hour. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that the field is not only lucrative but also offers a variety of work settings that can impact hourly earnings.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.81 | $198.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.21 | $249.67 |
| Median (P50) | $34.53 | $276.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.31 | $330.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.82 | $342.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $34.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.53/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, IL can expect to earn approximately $71,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,435. With a cost-of-living index of 93.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,381.16 | $5,985 | $71,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $828.70 | $3,591 | $43,092 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $552.46 | $2,394 | $28,728 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Bloomington) | $34.53 |
| 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 Bloomington, IL earn a median of $71,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.40% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 9.60% above the Illinois state average of $65,529.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.53/hr = $43,092/year (purchasing power: $46,070).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,820/year (purchasing power: $76,783).
CoL index: 93.537 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+82.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Bloomington grew 64.0% from $19.98/hr (2019) to $32.76/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.39/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time surgical technologists in Bloomington, one will find that working 24 hours a week can yield significant income, albeit less than a full-time role. On average, part-time workers can comfortably take home about $43,000 annually, which is competitive for roles that typically do not require the benefits that full-time positions offer. Per-diem surgical technologist pay in Bloomington usually falls within the range of $35 to $55 per hour, with specialties in cardiovascular and neuro surgery fetching even higher rates, sometimes reaching $75 per hour. Additionally, travel surgical tech contracts offer substantial earnings, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. The hourly rates can differ based on the employer type, whether it's a hospital operating room, specialty surgical center, or agency work. This discrepancy highlights the trade-offs surgical technologists must navigate—opting for lower hourly rates that come with benefits versus higher pay without the security of health insurance. Negotiating effectively for hourly wages requires an understanding of both the local market and the specific advantages each employer can offer, making it essential to stay informed about the evolving pay landscape for surgical technologists in Bloomington.
More salary data for Bloomington, 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
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 Bloomington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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