Surgical Technologist Salary in Skokie, IL: $64,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Skokie, IL earns a median $64,055/year (≈ $30.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Skokie's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,968 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Skokie, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $64,055. This figure reflects a market characterized by a salary range that extends from $46,964 at the lower tenth percentile to $95,950 at the ninetieth percentile. The local estimates are informed by 2025 BLS data, regional price parities, and adjustments for the local economy. As the demand for surgical procedures, especially minimally invasive techniques involving robotic surgery, continues to rise, skilled surgical technologists, particularly those with robotic surgery certification, will likely see increased opportunities and compensation. Skokie's healthcare sector is evolving, with surgical technologists playing an integral role in enhancing the efficiency and safety of surgical operations.
About the Skokie Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,964 | $22.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,439 | $25.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,055 | $30.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,387 | $38.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,950 | $46.13 |
Median Salary Position
6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Skokie
In Skokie, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,986 (2026 est.). At $64,055, the local median is 6% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Skokie: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Skokie Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Skokie median: $64,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Skokie Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,496 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.00% less |
Surgical Technologists in Skokie, IL earn a median of $64,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.00% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $65,496.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Skokie 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.
Skokie, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,968 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,403
2025 BLS Actual
$60,773
2026 Current Est.
$64,055
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Skokie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,403 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,729 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,620 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,604 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,975 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,773 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,514 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Skokie metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,403 (2019) to $60,773 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,514 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,111 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Skokie 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) | $46,964 – $53,439 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,439 – $64,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,055 – $79,387 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,387 – $95,950 |
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 Skokie
The job market for surgical technologists in Skokie currently includes 12 professionals employed in the area, which highlights a relatively niche market yet offers a distinct opportunity for job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, residents enjoy a more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average, which enhances their take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialized surgical centers, such as those focusing on orthopedics or cardiothoracic procedures, tend to offer the highest salaries. Variations in pay are primarily determined by specialization, with cardiovascular and neuro surgical technologists generally commanding greater compensation. To maximize earnings, new graduates and current surgical technologists should consider obtaining additional certifications such as the CST credential and exploring roles in high-demand specialties or facilities that emphasize robotic-assisted procedures, which often come with premium pay.
More salary data for Skokie, 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 $60,773 for surgical technologistsin the Skokie 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 Skokie 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