Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Carol Stream, IL: $30.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Carol Stream, IL runs $30.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,529 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Carol Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,120 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carol Stream, IL, the projected surgical technologist hourly rate for 2026 is $30.54, which falls below the national median of $32.76. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate provides a solid foundation for earnings, particularly in various typical settings like hospital operating rooms and ambulatory surgery centers. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect to earn around $21.21 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized areas might reach up to $45.18 per hour. These current projections highlight a sizable range reflective of different skill levels and specialties, such as cardiovascular or robotic-assisted surgeries, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements and potential for higher earnings, especially for per-diem roles that could offer varying rates.
About the Carol Stream 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) | $21.21 | $169.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.00 | $216.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.54 | $244.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.70 | $301.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.18 | $361.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carol Stream
Based on $30.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.54/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carol Stream, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,654. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carol Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carol Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,221.80 | $5,294 | $63,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $733.08 | $3,177 | $38,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $488.72 | $2,118 | $25,413 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Carol Stream) | $30.54 |
| 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 Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $63,529 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.77% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $65,494.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.54/hr = $38,120/year (purchasing power: $39,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,533/year (purchasing power: $65,431).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Carol Stream grew 33.9% from $21.65/hr (2019) to $28.98/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.19/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 Carol Stream 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 Carol Stream
When considering the financial landscape, part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week can earn around $38,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still viable for those prioritizing work-life balance. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Carol Stream often ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with higher rates for specialized roles like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, which can command between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts further elevate earnings, with weekly pay for locum positions reaching between $1,800 and $2,800, especially within high-demand specialties. Different employment settings also influence hourly compensation, with hospitals typically offering steadier pay compared to the flexibility but potentially lower rates found in private surgical centers. As surgical technologists navigate their employment options, they may weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly wages without benefits versus the stability and health insurance provided in full-time roles. For those based in Carol Stream, knowing how to negotiate effectively can maximize earnings while aligning with personal career goals, especially in this evolving healthcare field.
More salary data for Carol Stream, 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 Carol Stream. 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 Carol Stream 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