Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $29.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Elmhurst, IL runs $29.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,983 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,186 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Elmhurst, Illinois, can expect a median hourly pay of $29.80, which falls below the national median of $32.76. This discrepancy suggests a more challenging earning environment for those in the field, especially for individuals considering part-time positions or per-diem work. For example, a surgical technologist working three days a week can expect to earn around $23,184 annually based on this hourly rate, making Elmhurst's job market particularly appealing to those who value flexibility. Within the city, hourly rates for surgical technologists range from $21.95 for entry-level positions to $42.69 for top earners, indicating potential for growth and variation in specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery where additional certification may enhance pay.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $21.95 | $175.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.46 | $203.72 |
| Median (P50) | $29.80 | $238.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.93 | $287.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.69 | $341.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $29.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.80/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,977 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,756. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.86 | $5,165 | $61,977 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.12 | $3,099 | $37,186 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.75 | $2,066 | $24,791 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Elmhurst) | $29.80 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $61,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.04% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $65,521.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.80/hr = $37,186/year (purchasing power: $38,297).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,977/year (purchasing power: $63,828).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Elmhurst grew 33.9% from $21.12/hr (2019) to $28.27/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.41/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
When evaluating the earning potential of a per-diem surgical technologist in Elmhurst, the opportunity to command higher hourly rates becomes evident. These professionals often bill between $35 and $55 an hour, with those specializing in cardiovascular or neurosurgery reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts can provide even more lucrative compensation, offering $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, depending on the assignment. However, Elmhurst surgical technologists employed in traditional settings like hospitals or ambulatory surgery centers may find the pay slightly lower, often due to benefit packages that complicate the hourly pay calculus. Hence, a surgical technologist might take a lower base pay for comprehensive health insurance benefits, which can be crucial for those focusing on job security over pay. Negotiating for better hourly rates is essential, particularly in a location with varying employer types and specialties, as local demand fluctuates with the healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Elmhurst, 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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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