Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Oak Park, IL: $31.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Oak Park, IL runs $31.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Oak Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,028 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oak Park, Illinois, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $31.27, slightly below the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate makes the profession appealing for those considering part-time work; a surgical technologist working just three days a week would have the potential to earn a respectable income within typical hospital environments, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. With entry-level positions starting around $21.23 per hour, and top earners reaching up to $45.91, the range reflects various experience levels and specific skill sets, including certifications like robotic surgery training. It's important to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates based on the 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, providing a clear picture of what surgical technologists can expect in this region.
About the Oak Park 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) | $21.23 | $169.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.35 | $218.81 |
| Median (P50) | $31.27 | $250.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.12 | $304.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.91 | $367.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Park
Based on $31.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.27/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $65,046 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,527. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,250.89 | $5,421 | $65,046 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $750.53 | $3,252 | $39,028 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $500.35 | $2,168 | $26,018 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Oak Park) | $31.27 |
| 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 Oak Park, IL earn a median of $65,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.54% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $65,504.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.27/hr = $39,028/year (purchasing power: $40,193).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,046/year (purchasing power: $66,989).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Oak Park grew 33.9% from $22.17/hr (2019) to $29.67/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.96/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 Oak Park 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 Oak Park
The earning potential for part-time surgical technologists in Oak Park working 24 hours a week can exceed $48,000 annually, making it a viable option compared to full-time roles. Per diem surgical technologists often command higher pay, typically billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiovascular or neuro surgeries reaching $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts are lucrative, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly for cardiac procedures. Hourly rates may vary based on the employer type; for instance, surgical technologists in hospital operating rooms may earn differently than those in military units or specialty centers. Several professionals may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay even without those perks. For those in the Oak Park area, honing negotiation skills is critical—whether through demonstrating additional certifications or highlighting unique specialties can enhance their standing in discussions around pay.
More salary data for Oak Park, 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 Oak Park. 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 Oak Park 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