Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Rock Island, IL: $90,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Rock Island, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $90,763/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Rock Island's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,474 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for senior surgical technologists in Rock Island, Illinois, are notably attractive, especially for those reaching the top echelons of their field, with a projected annual income of $90,763 for 2026 at the 90th percentile. This figure significantly exceeds the median salary of $63,914, highlighting the steep experience premium that senior professionals in this area command. Achieving such high pay typically requires not only extensive experience of seven or more years but also specialization in critical surgical fields. Surgical technologists who seek advanced positions and specialized training, such as in robotic surgeries or trauma units, may find themselves well-compensated as they navigate their careers.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Rock Island earn between $76,783 and $90,763 per year (2026 est.). This $46,130 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rock Island median of $63,914 sits 6.2% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Rock Island | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $63,914 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,783 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $90,763 | $102,175 |
In Rock Island, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 42.01% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Rock Island
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $63,914 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rock Island employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Rock Island command premium compensation, often reaching the $76,783–$90,763 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRock Island ranks #54 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $90,763).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Rock Island ($90,763) is 5.31% below the Illinois average P90 ($95,849).
2019 BLS Actual
$63,426
2025 BLS Actual
$86,113
2026 Current Est.
$90,763
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,426 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,945 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,786 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,764 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,113 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,664 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Rock Island saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $63,426 in 2019 to $86,113 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 $95,664 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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 Rock Island
Focused expertise in areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgical technologies can attract premium pay in Rock Island, where varied employment settings further influence compensation structures. Senior surgical technologists might expect differing pay scales depending on whether they work in hospital operating rooms, specialty surgery centers, or various military medical units. Advancement opportunities abound as well, offering paths to roles like lead surgical technologist or surgical first assistant, which often require additional credentials such as CST or CSFA. Furthermore, the differentiation in compensation can also be driven by non-salary benefits like certification stipends, call coverage, and specialty pay. For experienced individuals in the field, capitalizing on these advanced roles and certifications can lead to significant financial rewards.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Rock Island in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Rock Island?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Rock Island?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Rock Island?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Rock Island?
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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 $86,113 for surgical technologists in the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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