Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Kankakee, IL: $30.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Kankakee, IL runs $30.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,177 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Kankakee's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,910 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
For surgical technologists in Kankakee, Illinois, the 2026 median hourly rate is projected at $30.38, placing it slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This position offers promising returns for part-time workers, especially those considering a schedule of three days per week. In typical settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical suites, professionals can expect to earn between $20.72 at the lower end of the scale and up to $35.44 for the top-earning surgical technologists. With 40 surgical technologists currently employed in the area, these numbers are derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data, reflecting the varied earning potential within Kankakee’s healthcare environment.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.72 | $165.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.10 | $216.79 |
| Median (P50) | $30.38 | $243.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.74 | $269.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.44 | $283.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kankakee
Based on $30.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.38/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kankakee, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,452. With a cost-of-living index of 96.39 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kankakee.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kankakee
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,215.05 | $5,265 | $63,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.03 | $3,159 | $37,910 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.02 | $2,106 | $25,273 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Kankakee) | $30.38 |
| 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 Kankakee, IL earn a median of $63,177 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.28% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.60% below the Illinois state average of $65,536.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.38/hr = $37,910/year (purchasing power: $39,328).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,183/year (purchasing power: $65,546).
CoL index: 96.394 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Kankakee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.63/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Kankakee grew 33.9% from $21.53/hr (2019) to $28.82/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.02/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 Kankakee 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 Kankakee
When examining earning potential for part-time surgical technologists, those working a 24-hour week could expect to take home approximately $39,747 annually, which is significantly less than full-time counterparts. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Kankakee varies widely, with many professionals billing $35 to $55 per hour for standard roles, while those in cardiovascular or neuro specialties can earn between $50 and $75 per hour. Travel contracts may offer even higher compensation, with estimates ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week. The hourly rates can also differ based on employer type, with hospitals generally providing more stable employment benefits compared to ambulatory or specialty centers. For surgical technologists, balancing hourly rates with comprehensive health insurance is often a consideration, influencing individual job choices. When negotiating rates, local insights suggest emphasizing certifications like robotic surgery experience or specialized training, as these can bolster earning potential in the competitive Kankakee job market.
More salary data for Kankakee, 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 Kankakee. 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, 4-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