Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Wheaton, IL: $30.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Wheaton, IL runs $30.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,397 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Wheaton's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,633 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Illinois, surgical technologists earn a median hourly pay of $30.96, which is slightly below the national average of $32.76. This rate reflects not only the baseline compensation for full-time positions in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers but also serves as a guideline for part-time opportunities. Surgical technologists working three days a week could expect to earn nearly $2,233 per month, factoring in a typical schedule that allows for both surgical procedures and sterile processing duties. For those entering the field, hourly rates for entry-level positions start around $22.99, while experienced professionals can earn up to $46.80 per hour, allowing for substantial growth potential within the specialty. It's essential to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, providing a clearer picture of compensation for various roles within the healthcare system in Wheaton.
About the Wheaton 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) | $22.99 | $183.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.71 | $213.67 |
| Median (P50) | $30.96 | $247.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.56 | $308.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.80 | $374.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheaton
Based on $30.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.96/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheaton, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,147. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheaton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheaton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,238.24 | $5,366 | $64,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.94 | $3,219 | $38,633 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.30 | $2,146 | $25,755 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Wheaton) | $30.96 |
| 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 Wheaton, IL earn a median of $64,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $65,511.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.96/hr = $38,633/year (purchasing power: $39,787).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,388/year (purchasing power: $66,311).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wheaton grew 33.9% from $21.94/hr (2019) to $29.37/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.63/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 Wheaton 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 Wheaton
Considering the nuances of part-time work, a surgical technologist at 24 hours per week can earn approximately $30,960 annually, a considerable difference compared to full-time salaries. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Wheaton varies widely, with rates ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, and those with expertise in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery may command between $50 and $75. Travel contracts can range between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, presenting lucrative opportunities for those open to agency work. Compensation across various employers in Wheaton, including hospitals and specialty surgical units, often reflects differences in benefit packages. Surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of lower hourly wages with comprehensive health insurance against higher rates that offer fewer perks. For successful negotiation, having insights into hourly rates and regional comparisons is crucial, helping local surgical technologists advocate effectively for their worth in the marketplace.
More salary data for Wheaton, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wheaton in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Wheaton?
Are surgical technologists in Wheaton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Wheaton?
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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 Wheaton. 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 Wheaton 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