Surgical Technologist Salary in Aurora, IL: $64,703 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Aurora, IL earns a median $64,703/year (≈ $31.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $66,635 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Aurora, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $64,703 as of 2026, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this role in the area stretches from $45,583 at the 10th percentile to $97,783 at the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates gathered from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost differences. Given the diverse employment settings available—hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialty surgical centers—there are various opportunities for surgical technologists to find fitting and financially rewarding positions. Understanding these dynamics can be advantageous for professionals in the field as they navigate their career paths in Aurora.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,583 | $21.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,698 | $25.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,703 | $31.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,199 | $38.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,783 | $47.01 |
Median Salary Position
5.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,200 (2026 est.). At $64,703, the local median is 5.05% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aurora Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Aurora median: $64,703/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,489 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.05% less |
Surgical Technologists in Aurora, IL earn a median of $64,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.20% below the Illinois state average of $65,489.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,703 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,635 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,863
2025 BLS Actual
$61,388
2026 Current Est.
$64,703
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,863 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,202 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,136 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,552 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,614 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,388 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,703 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,197 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,863 (2019) to $61,388 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,197 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,334 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,583 – $52,698 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,698 – $64,703 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,703 – $80,199 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,199 – $97,783 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Aurora
In Aurora, the local job market shows a healthy demand, with 44 surgical technologists currently employed in the area. This suburban city has a cost-of-living index of 97.1, indicating that dollars stretch further here than in many urban centers, positively impacting take-home pay. Hospitals often pay the highest wages, particularly in specialized units such as orthopedic and cardio-thoracic surgery. Conversely, ASCs and specialty surgical centers may offer lower base salaries, but supplemental benefits might close that gap. Factors such as specialty certification in areas like cardiovascular or neuro surgery, willingness to cover on-call shifts, and skills in robotic surgery can significantly influence pay rates. Those aiming to maximize their earnings should seek out certifications that distinguish them in the competitive market, and consider opportunities to gain experience in higher-paying surgical specialties or pursue travel assignments that often offer competitive compensation packages.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Aurora, IL in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Aurora?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Aurora?
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Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,388 for surgical technologistsin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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