Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $30.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Plainfield, IL runs $30.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,356 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,015 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Plainfield, Illinois, the surgical technologist hourly pay is projected to be $30.46 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $32.76. For those working part-time or as per-diem staff, this hourly rate translates to an average earning potential of around $1,500 per month, assuming a three-day work week. Surgical technologists in this city operate primarily in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical centers, and more. Entry-level positions can start around $23.40 per hour, while top earners may reach up to $44.90. This range indicates significant opportunity for advancement within the profession as surgical technologists gain experience and potentially specialize in areas like robotic surgery or trauma care.
About the Plainfield 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) | $23.40 | $187.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.82 | $214.59 |
| Median (P50) | $30.46 | $243.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.50 | $300.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.90 | $359.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $30.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.46/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,358 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,553. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,218.42 | $5,280 | $63,358 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $731.05 | $3,168 | $38,015 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.37 | $2,112 | $25,343 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Plainfield) | $30.46 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $63,356 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.02% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $65,518.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.46/hr = $38,015/year (purchasing power: $39,150).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,358/year (purchasing power: $65,250).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Plainfield grew 33.9% from $21.59/hr (2019) to $28.90/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.11/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Examining the financial prospects, part-time surgical technologists working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $39,482 annually, compared to full-time workers who secure greater overall benefits and job stability. Per-diem surgical technologists may find themselves billing between $35 and $55 per hour, with cardiovascular and neuro specialties commanding even higher rates, potentially hitting $75. Hourly rates vary significantly based on the type of employer in Plainfield—hospitals generally offer competitive wages while ambulatory and specialty surgical centers might lean towards lower rates. Many surgical technologists face a decision: accept lower pay for health insurance and benefits, or pursue the higher hourly wages available through agency work. Negotiating flexibility is key; being informed about local averages and knowing your worth based on experience can empower technologists when discussing pay with potential employers.
More salary data for Plainfield, 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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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