Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $45,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Des Plaines, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,397 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Des Plaines's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,753 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,343) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Des Plaines, Illinois can expect to see starting salaries around $45,397, which is indicative of the lower end of the projected salary range. While this figure is significantly below the city median salary of $63,343, it reflects a realistic starting point for those just beginning their careers. New surgical technologists often have a clear growth path as they gain experience; with diligent effort and skill development, they may reach annual salaries closer to $52,013 within their first few years. Des Plaines is currently a viable market for recent graduates, especially considering the healthcare industry's overall growth and demand for surgical services in the region.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Des Plaines
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
Entry-level surgical technologists in Des Plaines, IL typically start between $45,397 and $52,013 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,301 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,343 — 7.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Illinois of $14,000 represents just 30.84% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($45,397/year) in Des Plaines. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Des Plaines
- 1Research the Des Plaines market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $45,397 to $52,013, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Des Plaines, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Des Plaines for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Des Plaines's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Des Plaines is $48,301 ( 106.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,397, experienced hygienists can earn up to $93,698.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,333
2025 BLS Actual
$43,071
2026 Current Est.
$45,397
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,333 | Actual |
| 2020 | $31,989 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,624 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,433 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,102 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,071 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,848 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Des Plaines, IL grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,333 in 2019 to $43,071 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,848. New graduates entering the Des Plaines job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Des Plaines
Employers in the Des Plaines area, particularly hospital operating rooms, frequently hire recent graduates with the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, which has been the federal standard since 2021. Ambulatory surgery centers present attractive opportunities for new graduates as they often offer no-call schedules to facilitate a work-life balance. To enhance their entry-level surgical technologist salary in Des Plaines, candidates should pursue additional credentials, such as certifications in robotic surgery or the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) designation, which can significantly influence earning potential. As they navigate their first few years, it's advisable for new surgical technologists to seek experiences in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, where compensation is generally higher. Realistically, early-career surgical technologists can expect to see incremental salary increases as they hone their skills, build experience, and establish a solid foundation in this rewarding profession.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Des Plaines. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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