Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Tinley Park, IL: $98,386 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Tinley Park, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,386/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Tinley Park's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $101,324 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tinley Park, the financial prospects for senior surgical technologists are promising, particularly for those at the top of the pay scale. The 2026 projections indicate that top earners can command an impressive annual salary of $98,386. This positions them favorably against national averages, primarily reflecting the significant experience cultivated over seven or more years in the field. With a median salary of $64,692, the disparity between median and top-tier pay illustrates the career advancement potential available within this profession. Achieving such high earnings typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, expertise in specialized surgical areas, and possibly leadership roles, allowing experienced surgical technologists to maximize their earning potential in Tinley Park, IL.
About the Tinley Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tinley Park
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Tinley Park earn between $80,917 and $98,386 per year (2026 est.). This $50,135 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Tinley Park median of $64,692 sits 5.06% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Tinley Park | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,692 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,917 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,386 | $102,175 |
In Tinley Park, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 52.08% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Tinley Park
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $64,692 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Tinley Park employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Tinley Park command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,917–$98,386 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTinley Park ranks #9 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $98,386).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Tinley Park ($98,386) is 2.65% above the Illinois average P90 ($95,849).
2019 BLS Actual
$68,752
2025 BLS Actual
$93,345
2026 Current Est.
$98,386
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Tinley Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,752 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,399 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,124 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,647 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,458 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,345 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,386 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,698 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Tinley Park saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $68,752 in 2019 to $93,345 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 $103,698 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park
Compensation for senior surgical technologists can vary significantly depending on specialization, employer type, and additional credentials. In Tinley Park, those working in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and robotic surgery often see higher compensation due to their expertise. The employment setting also plays a critical role; experienced professionals in hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers tend to earn substantially more than those in ambulatory surgery centers or travel positions. Advancement options for seasoned surgical technologists include roles such as lead surgical technologist, surgical first assistant (CSFA), and OR supervisor—positions that not only enhance professional growth but also boost earning capacity. Obtaining advanced certifications like CST can further elevate a senior surgical technologist's profile, making them more competitive in terms of salary and job opportunities. Additionally, perks such as specialty stipends and premium pay for on-call duties can substantially enhance overall compensation in IL.
More salary data for Tinley Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Tinley Park in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Tinley Park?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Tinley Park?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Tinley Park?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Tinley Park?
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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 $93,345 for surgical technologists in the Tinley Park 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 Tinley Park 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