Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Bartlett, IL: $90,484 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Bartlett, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $90,484/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Bartlett's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,186 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For experienced surgical technologists in Bartlett, Illinois, the potential for a top-tier salary is significant, with the 2026 projections placing the 90th percentile earners at an impressive $90,484. This amount stands out against the median annual salary of $64,321, demonstrating a substantial earnings gap that rewards extensive experience and specialized skills. With the growing complexities in surgical procedures, particularly in high-demand specialties, achieving such advanced pay requires not only years of hands-on experience but also the pursuit of advanced certifications and specializations. In Bartlett, seasoned professionals focusing on critical roles within operating rooms are increasingly positioned to benefit from this robust compensation framework.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bartlett
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Bartlett earn between $77,941 and $90,484 per year (2026 est.). This $44,497 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bartlett median of $64,321 sits 5.61% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Bartlett | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,321 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,941 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $90,484 | $102,175 |
In Bartlett, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 40.68% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Bartlett
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $64,321 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bartlett employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Bartlett command premium compensation, often reaching the $77,941–$90,484 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bartlett metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Bartlett with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Bartlett
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBartlett ranks #56 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $90,484).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Bartlett ($90,484) is 5.6% below the Illinois average P90 ($95,849).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,230
2025 BLS Actual
$85,848
2026 Current Est.
$90,484
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,745 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,251 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,571 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,636 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,777 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,848 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,484 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,370 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Bartlett saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $63,230 in 2019 to $85,848 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $95,370 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Bartlett
In the competitive landscape of senior surgical technologist pay in IL, some specialties can command particularly high salaries; consider cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery (da Vinci certified), which often offer premium compensation due to the skill and precision required. Employers also present varying pay scales; those working in hospital operating rooms may see different compensation compared to those in ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical facilities. Leadership roles such as lead surgical technologist or surgical first assistant can increase earning potential significantly, particularly with additional credentials like the CSFA. Advanced certifications remain crucial; obtaining accreditation from a CAAHEP-accredited program followed by CST certification through the NBSTSA can make a considerable difference. Non-salary benefits, including travel surgical tech rates or specialty recognition, may further enhance the overall compensation package for top surgical technologists in Bartlett as they advance their careers.
More salary data for Bartlett, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Bartlett in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Bartlett?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Bartlett?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Bartlett?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Bartlett?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $85,848 for surgical technologists in the Bartlett metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bartlett 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