Surgical Technologist Salary in Evanston, IL: $65,155 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Evanston, IL earns a median $65,155/year (≈ $31.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $67,101 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Evanston, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $65,155, which is slightly below the national average of $68,141. The local salary range spans from $44,393 at the 10th percentile to $99,850 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience, certifications, and specialties within the field. With the rising trend of robotic surgery certification, those with expertise in state-of-the-art technologies significantly enhance their earning potential, further shaping the compensation landscape for surgical technologists in the area. This projection is based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional conditions, and the robotics certification trend is expected to fortify the demand in Evanston’s job market.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,393 | $21.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,201 | $25.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,155 | $31.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,153 | $39.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,850 | $48.01 |
Median Salary Position
4.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,457 (2026 est.). At $65,155, the local median is 4.38% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Evanston median: $65,155/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,548 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -4.38% less |
Surgical Technologists in Evanston, IL earn a median of $65,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.38% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $65,548.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,155 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,101 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,183
2025 BLS Actual
$61,817
2026 Current Est.
$65,155
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,183 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,532 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,508 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,954 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,002 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,817 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,155 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,673 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,183 (2019) to $61,817 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,673 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,490 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $44,393 – $53,201 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,201 – $65,155 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,155 – $82,153 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,153 – $99,850 |
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 Evanston
Evanston's employment climate for surgical technologists remains stable, with about 16 professionals currently working in the area. In contrast to the national average, the cost of living in Evanston is relatively lower, with a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which positively influences take-home pay. Within the local market, surgical technologists can expect higher salaries in hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic, ophthalmology, and cardiothoracic procedures. Factors such as the complexity of surgeries, call coverage requirements, and specific credentials like the CSFA or robotic surgery certification contribute to the significant variance in pay. To maximize earnings, surgical technologists in Evanston should consider pursuing advanced certifications, engaging in continuing education, and exploring opportunities in higher-paying specialties or travel surgical tech positions that offer competitive rates.
More salary data for Evanston, 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 $61,817 for surgical technologistsin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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