Surgical Technologist Salary in Elmhurst, IL: $61,983 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Elmhurst, IL earns a median $61,983/year (≈ $29.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Elmhurst's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,834 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The anticipated salary for surgical technologists in Elmhurst, IL, reaches a median of $61,983 in 2026, reflecting the local market's dynamics. This figure sits below the national median of $68,141, indicating a -9.04% variance. Salary expectations range considerably, from a low of $45,665 at the 10th percentile to a high of $88,782 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the regional cost of living. Factors such as the structural choice between hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), and specialty surgical facilities play a substantial role in determining compensation levels for surgical technologists in the area.
About the Elmhurst Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,665 | $21.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,957 | $25.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,983 | $29.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,738 | $35.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,782 | $42.69 |
Median Salary Position
9.04% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elmhurst
In Elmhurst, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,117 (2026 est.). At $61,983, the local median is 9.04% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elmhurst: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elmhurst Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Elmhurst median: $61,983/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elmhurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,521 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -9.04% less |
Surgical Technologists in Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $61,983 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.04% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $65,521.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elmhurst 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.
Elmhurst, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $61,983 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,834 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,935
2025 BLS Actual
$58,807
2026 Current Est.
$61,983
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,935 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,217 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,132 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,807 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,983 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,330 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elmhurst metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $43,935 (2019) to $58,807 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,330 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,395 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elmhurst 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) | $45,665 – $52,957 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,957 – $61,983 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,983 – $74,738 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,738 – $88,782 |
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 Elmhurst
With only nine surgical technologists currently employed in Elmhurst, the local job market appears relatively limited, yet it offers unique opportunities. Considering the cost of living index at 97.1—below the national average—technologists are likely to find that their take-home pay stretches a little further in Elmhurst compared to regions with higher costs of living. Hospitals typically offer more competitive salaries among employers in the area, especially for surgical technologists working in specialized fields like cardiovascular or neurosurgery, where pay premiums are prevalent. The pay differential here can be influenced by several elements, including specialty certifications like robotic surgery proficiency or roles such as surgical first assistant. To maximize earnings, aspiring technologists should consider pursuing certifications, seeking positions at trauma centers, and staying updated on technological advancements within the field.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Elmhurst, IL in 2026?
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Elmhurst?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Elmhurst?
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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 $58,807 for surgical technologistsin the Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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