Surgical Technologist Salary in Chicago, IL: $69,943 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Chicago, IL earns a median $69,943/year (≈ $33.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $67,516 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chicago, surgical technologists can expect a robust median annual salary of $69,943, reflecting strong demand across various healthcare settings, particularly in hospitals, outpatient surgery centers, and specialized surgical facilities. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, with figures spanning from $53,322 at the 10th percentile to $99,108 at the 90th percentile according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. This competitive pay, slightly above the national median of $68,141, highlights the city's vibrant job market for surgical technologists amidst the increasing need for surgical services and a growing emphasis on specialized procedures.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,322 | $25.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66,117 | $31.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,943 | $33.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,245 | $40.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,108 | $47.65 |
Median Salary Position
2.64% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,786 (2026 est.). At $69,943, the local median is 2.64% above the national median of $68,141.
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At 40 hours/week in Chicago: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chicago Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Chicago median: $69,943/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,551 | +6.70% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +2.64% more |
Surgical Technologists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $69,943 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 6.70% above the Illinois state average of $65,551.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,943 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,516 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,820
2025 BLS Actual
$66,360
2026 Current Est.
$69,943
2019–2027 Growth
+48.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,730 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,820 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,943 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,720 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.2% from $49,820 (2019) to $66,360 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,720 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,900 (47.97%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $53,322 – $66,117 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $66,117 – $69,943 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,943 – $83,245 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,245 – $99,108 |
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 Chicago
With approximately 2,530 surgical technologists employed in Chicago, the local job market demonstrates notable strength, although the cost of living is slightly elevated, with a cost-of-living index of 103.595. This context means that while salaries may be attractive, purchasing power can be affected by the higher living expenses in urban settings. Surgical technologists typically find the highest salaries in hospital operating rooms and specialized centers catering to cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgeries. Factors contributing to the wage differences include specialization in high-demand areas, call coverage, and certifications, such as robotic surgery training, which many employers increasingly recognize. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Chicago, pursuing advanced certifications and seeking out opportunities in trauma centers or travel positions can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Chicago, 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
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 $66,360 for surgical technologistsin the Chicago 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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