Surgical Technologist Salary in Elgin, IL: $69,319 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Elgin, IL earns a median $69,319/year (≈ $33.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $71,389 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.8% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Elgin, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $69,319, positioned slightly above the national average of $68,141. Local estimates indicate a salary range from $50,010 at the lower end to $106,648 for those in top-paying positions. These figures, drawn from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, reflect the increasing demand for surgical technologists, particularly with the rise of robotic surgery certification as a differentiating factor in compensation. The trend toward augmenting skill sets with advanced certifications is contributing positively to job prospects and salary potential within the Elgin job market, which is supportive of career advancement in surgical technology.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,010 | $24.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,558 | $27.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,319 | $33.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,044 | $41.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,648 | $51.28 |
Median Salary Position
1.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,638 (2026 est.). At $69,319, the local median is 1.73% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Elgin median: $69,319/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,519 | +5.80% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +1.73% more |
Surgical Technologists in Elgin, IL earn a median of $69,319 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.73% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 5.80% above the Illinois state average of $65,519.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin 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.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $69,319 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,389 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,135
2025 BLS Actual
$65,768
2026 Current Est.
$69,319
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,570 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,369 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,928 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,658 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,768 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,319 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,063 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $49,135 (2019) to $65,768 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,063 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,928 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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) | $50,010 – $57,558 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,558 – $69,319 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,319 – $87,044 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,044 – $106,648 |
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 Elgin
Analyzing the local job market, there are currently 16 surgical technologists employed in Elgin, IL, a number that signals concentrated opportunity within the community. The cost of living index of 97.1 suggests that while salaries may be competitive, the purchasing power for local professionals is positively impacted, allowing for greater financial flexibility. Among various employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers tend to offer the most competitive pay, while military or VA surgical units often provide unique benefits. The disparity in earnings could be tied to factors such as specialization in fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, call coverage requirements, and additional stipends for robotic surgery certifications. To maximize pay in Elgin, surgical technologists should consider obtaining relevant certifications, pursuing roles in high-demand specialties, and negotiating for better compensation packages based on their skill set and experience level.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Elgin?
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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 $65,768 for surgical technologistsin the Elgin 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 Elgin 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