Surgical Technologist Salary in Naperville, IL: $70,674 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Naperville, IL earns a median $70,674/year (≈ $33.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Naperville's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $72,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Naperville, Illinois, salaries for surgical technologists are projected to reach a median annual figure of $70,674 in 2026, outpacing the national median of $68,141 by approximately 3.72%. The full salary range for surgical technologists in this area spans from $47,803 at the 10th percentile to $109,544 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse range of compensation based on factors such as experience, workplace setting, and specializations. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price considerations suggest that those employed in hospital settings may often earn more than colleagues in ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical facilities. This competitive pay structure in Naperville is indicative of a robust job market for surgical technologists, influenced by the demand for skilled professionals in various surgical disciplines.
About the Naperville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,803 | $22.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,641 | $27.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,674 | $33.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,174 | $41.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,544 | $52.67 |
Median Salary Position
3.72% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Naperville
In Naperville, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,741 (2026 est.). At $70,674, the local median is 3.72% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Naperville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Naperville Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Naperville median: $70,674/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Naperville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,499 | +7.90% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +3.72% more |
Surgical Technologists in Naperville, IL earn a median of $70,674 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.72% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 7.90% above the Illinois state average of $65,499.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Naperville 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.
Naperville, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $70,674 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,785 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,095
2025 BLS Actual
$67,053
2026 Current Est.
$70,674
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Naperville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,095 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,558 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,334 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,475 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,053 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,674 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,490 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Naperville metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $50,095 (2019) to $67,053 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,490 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,395 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Naperville 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) | $47,803 – $57,641 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,641 – $70,674 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,674 – $86,174 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,174 – $109,544 |
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 Naperville
With only 23 surgical technologists working in the area, the local job market may offer limited interaction among peers, potentially contributing to salary variability. Naperville’s cost of living index stands at 97.1, suggesting affordability compared to the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of surgical technologist pay in Naperville, IL. Employers offering higher salaries tend to include hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers focusing on complex procedures, such as cardiothoracic or neuro surgeries. Factors driving salary differences include specializations, certifications in robotic surgery, and additional duties associated with trauma centers or supervisory roles. To optimize earnings in the Naperville market, surgical technologists could pursue specialized training, such as becoming a Certified Surgical First Assistant, and seek positions within institutions known for higher compensation packages, thereby enhancing their industry value and financial prospects.
More salary data for Naperville, 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
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 $67,053 for surgical technologistsin the Naperville 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 Naperville 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