Surgical Technologist Salary in Normal, IL: $63,526 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Normal, IL earns a median $63,526/year (≈ $30.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Normal's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Normal, Illinois can anticipate a median annual salary of $63,526, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national figure of $68,141. Salaries for this profession range from approximately $43,958 on the low end to $94,325 at the high end, showcasing the significant variation within the field. The local pay scale is derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional economic factors. As the healthcare landscape evolves, especially with the structural choices between hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, and specialty surgical facilities, it’s critical for professionals to understand where the most lucrative opportunities may lie.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,958 | $21.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,375 | $25.18 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,526 | $30.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,086 | $37.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94,325 | $45.35 |
Median Salary Position
6.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Normal
In Normal, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,367 (2026 est.). At $63,526, the local median is 6.77% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Normal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Normal Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Normal median: $63,526/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Normal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,490 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.77% less |
Surgical Technologists in Normal, IL earn a median of $63,526 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.77% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $65,490.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Normal 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.
Normal, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,526 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,423 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,028
2025 BLS Actual
$60,271
2026 Current Est.
$63,526
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,028 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,343 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,243 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,170 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,505 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,602 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,271 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,526 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,956 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Normal metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,028 (2019) to $60,271 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,956 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,928 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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) | $43,958 – $52,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,375 – $63,526 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,526 – $78,086 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,086 – $94,325 |
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 Normal
The local job market in Normal currently employs eight surgical technologists, suggesting a modest, yet potentially stable environment for job seekers. With a cost of living index of 97.1, which is below the national average, take-home purchasing power may be somewhat favorable for residents. Employers in this area may include hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers, each offering diverse compensation packages. Differences in pay often hinge on several factors, including specialty focus—where cardiovascular and neurosurgery roles generally command higher wages—call coverage requirements, and the presence of robotic surgery skills, which serve as advantageous differentiators. For aspiring surgical technologists seeking to maximize earnings in Normal, securing certifications in advanced specialties or robotic surgical systems, as well as pursuing travel tech assignments, could significantly enhance their compensation potential.
More salary data for Normal, 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 $60,271 for surgical technologistsin the Normal 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 Normal 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