Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $30.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Normal, IL runs $30.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,526 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Normal'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 Normal, Illinois, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $30.54, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.76. This rate reflects what surgical techs can expect to make while working in local settings, including main operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma units. For part-time workers clocking in three days a week, or per-diem professionals, this hourly wage translates into a stable source of income, allowing them to balance other life responsibilities or pursue different opportunities. The hourly range for surgical technologists in Normal spans from $21.13 for entry-level positions to $45.35 for top earners, indicating the potential for substantial financial growth as one gains experience and specialized skills.
About the Normal 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) | $21.13 | $169.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.18 | $201.44 |
| Median (P50) | $30.54 | $244.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.54 | $300.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.35 | $362.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $30.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.54/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, 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 Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| 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 (Normal) | $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 Normal, IL earn a median of $63,526 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 $65,490.
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 Normal (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 Normal 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 Normal 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 Normal
When considering part-time work, a surgical technologist in Normal working 24 hours per week would take home approximately $38,000 per year, a notable difference compared to full-time earnings. Additionally, many professionals in this field may choose per-diem roles, where they often bill anywhere from $35 to $55 per hour, with high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery commanding rates from $50 to $75 per hour. Travel surgical tech contracts frequently offer lucrative options, averaging $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly in high-demand areas. Hourly wages tend to fluctuate depending on employer type; for instance, assignments in hospital operating rooms may present lower hourly pay compared to specialized surgical centers or agency contracts. Surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of steady employment that includes health insurance against the potentially higher pay of independent contracts that lack such benefits. Negotiation tactics should focus on showcasing certifications, like CST or advanced specialized training in robotic surgery, which can justify higher pay rates in this competitive market.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Normal in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Normal?
Are surgical technologists in Normal paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Normal?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Normal?
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 Normal. 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 Normal 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