Surgical Technologist Salary in Gurnee, IL: $64,570 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Gurnee, IL earns a median $64,570/year (≈ $31.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Gurnee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $66,498 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gurnee, Illinois, the 2026 median annual salary for a surgical technologist is projected to be $64,570, placing it slightly below the national median of $68,141. This figure reflects a salary range spanning from $46,583 at the 10th percentile to $91,325 at the 90th percentile, indicating potential for earnings based on experience, specialization, and responsibilities. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data adjusted for regional cost variances, illustrating Gurnee's unique employment landscape. As healthcare facilities evolve, job opportunities may arise primarily in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical centers, creating a dynamic market for surgical technologists.
About the Gurnee Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,583 | $22.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,438 | $26.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,570 | $31.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,151 | $37.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,325 | $43.91 |
Median Salary Position
5.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gurnee
In Gurnee, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,742 (2026 est.). At $64,570, the local median is 5.24% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gurnee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gurnee Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Gurnee median: $64,570/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gurnee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,553 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.24% less |
Surgical Technologists in Gurnee, IL earn a median of $64,570 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.24% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.50% below the Illinois state average of $65,553.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gurnee 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.
Gurnee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,570 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,498 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,769
2025 BLS Actual
$61,262
2026 Current Est.
$64,570
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Gurnee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,769 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,105 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,987 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,027 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,434 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,262 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,570 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,057 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gurnee metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,769 (2019) to $61,262 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,057 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,288 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gurnee 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) | $46,583 – $54,438 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,438 – $64,570 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,570 – $77,151 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,151 – $91,325 |
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 Gurnee
The local job market currently employs eight surgical technologists, a relatively small number that indicates niche job opportunities and a competitive edge for qualified candidates. Gurnee's cost-of-living index of 97.1 suggests that residents may experience better purchasing power despite earning less than the national average. Among potential employers, hospitals generally offer the highest pay, especially for those with specialized skills in areas like cardiothoracic surgery or advanced robotic procedures. Factors influencing the variation in pay include specialization, call coverage, and additional certifications like robotic surgery training, which can provide significant financial incentives. To maximize earning potential, candidates should pursue certifications such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) and seek opportunities in high-demand specialties or travel positions, which often offer competitive rates.
More salary data for Gurnee, 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 $61,262 for surgical technologistsin the Gurnee 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 Gurnee 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