Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $31.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Joliet, IL runs $31.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,099 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,054 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Joliet, Illinois can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $31.29, which is slightly lower than the national median of $32.76. This position typically involves working in various surgical environments, such as hospital main operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites, making the earnings reasonably attractive for both full-time and part-time employees. For part-time workers who may opt for a three-day work week, the hourly pay can effectively provide a solid income, especially considering the estimated range from entry-level technicians at $22.34 to seasoned professionals earning as much as $47.68 per hour. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary figures, reflecting the demand for surgical technologists as the healthcare industry continues to focus on expanding surgical services in the Joliet area.
About the Joliet 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) | $22.34 | $178.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.14 |
| Median (P50) | $31.29 | $250.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.02 | $312.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.68 | $381.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $31.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.29/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $65,090 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,552. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,251.73 | $5,424 | $65,090 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $751.04 | $3,254 | $39,054 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.69 | $2,170 | $26,036 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Joliet) | $31.29 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $65,099 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.46% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $65,492.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.29/hr = $39,054/year (purchasing power: $40,220).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,090/year (purchasing power: $67,034).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Joliet grew 33.9% from $22.18/hr (2019) to $29.69/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.98/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
In the context of earning potential, a surgical technologist in Joliet working part-time three days a week could expect to take home around $48,000 annually. However, for those seeking flexibility, per diem surgical technologist pay in Joliet ranges widely, with common hourly billing between $35 and $55. Particularly in specialized fields such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery, the per diem specialists can command rates of $50 to $75 per hour, making these roles financially appealing. Travel contracts present an even more attractive option, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, especially for high-demand specialties. Moreover, where one works can significantly affect their hourly pay, with hospitals often providing more comprehensive benefits, which can lead to lower hourly rates. Surgical technologists must strategically weigh their hourly compensation against benefits like health insurance when considering job offers. Negotiating hourly rates effectively involves researching various employer types in Joliet and understanding the going rates for specific specialties and environments, ultimately ensuring that technicians maximize their earning potential in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Joliet?
Are surgical technologists in Joliet paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Joliet?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Joliet?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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