Surgical Technologist Salary in Urbana, IL: $63,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Urbana, IL earns a median $63,325/year (≈ $30.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Urbana's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,216 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbana, Illinois, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $63,325 in 2026, which reflects a local market that offers opportunities across various medical facilities, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialty surgical centers. The salary range for this profession is projected to be between $48,859 at the lower end, represented by the 10th percentile, and $93,299 at the high end for those in the 90th percentile. These figures are based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, which help to contextualize what professionals earn in this area compared to the national median of $68,141. Given the structural choices in healthcare within Urbana, the demand for skilled surgical technologists continues to grow, particularly as facilities adapt to the expanding needs of surgical care.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,859 | $23.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,734 | $26.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,325 | $30.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,938 | $37.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,299 | $44.86 |
Median Salary Position
7.07% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbana
In Urbana, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,440 (2026 est.). At $63,325, the local median is 7.07% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Urbana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbana Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Urbana median: $63,325/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,554 | -3.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -7.07% less |
Surgical Technologists in Urbana, IL earn a median of $63,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.07% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.40% below the Illinois state average of $65,554.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbana 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.
Urbana, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,325 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,216 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,887
2025 BLS Actual
$60,081
2026 Current Est.
$63,325
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,887 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,197 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,100 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,005 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,327 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,081 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,745 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbana metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $44,887 (2019) to $60,081 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,745 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,858 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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) | $48,859 – $55,734 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,734 – $63,325 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,325 – $77,938 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,938 – $93,299 |
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 Urbana
The local job market for surgical technologists in Urbana remains relatively small, with only six practitioners currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which is below the national average, salaries for surgical technologists here can provide a competitive edge regarding purchasing power. Hospitals typically offer the highest pay, especially for roles in specialized surgeries such as cardiothoracic and orthopedic procedures, while travel tech agencies may present lucrative opportunities as well. Factors like specialty training, certification in robotic surgery, and experience in trauma centers can create significant pay disparities. To maximize earnings in this market, surgical technologists should consider obtaining certifications such as the CST from NBSTSA, pursuing roles in specialty areas, and seeking positions that offer call coverage or financial incentives for advanced skills.
More salary data for Urbana, 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 $60,081 for surgical technologistsin the Urbana 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 Urbana 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