Surgical Technologist Salary in Oswego, IL: $63,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Oswego, IL earns a median $63,101/year (≈ $30.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Oswego's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,986 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oswego, Illinois, the surgical technologist salary is projected to be $63,101 by 2026. This figure represents a salary range beginning at $48,054 for the lowest earners (P10) and extending to $92,538 for those at the higher end of the scale (P90). This data is derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations. Surgical technologists in Oswego predominantly work in different surgical settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, each influencing compensation levels based on the complexity of procedures performed and the type of institution. The competitive landscape of healthcare facilities in the region suggests a promising job market for those entering this field.
About the Oswego Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,054 | $23.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,265 | $26.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,101 | $30.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,399 | $37.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,538 | $44.49 |
Median Salary Position
7.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oswego
In Oswego, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,484 (2026 est.). At $63,101, the local median is 7.4% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oswego: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oswego Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Oswego median: $63,101/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oswego Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,525 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -7.40% less |
Surgical Technologists in Oswego, IL earn a median of $63,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.40% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.70% below the Illinois state average of $65,525.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oswego 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.
Oswego, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,101 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,986 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,727
2025 BLS Actual
$59,868
2026 Current Est.
$63,101
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,727 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,033 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,940 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,821 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,127 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,237 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,868 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,508 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oswego metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $44,727 (2019) to $59,868 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,508 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,781 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oswego 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) | $48,054 – $55,265 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,265 – $63,101 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,101 – $77,399 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,399 – $92,538 |
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 Oswego
Analyzing the local job market, only seven surgical technologists are currently employed in Oswego, a relatively small number that may indicate room for growth in this profession, especially with a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which is slightly below the national average. This affordable living allows for a relatively high purchasing power, even at local wage levels. Employers such as hospitals and specialized surgical facilities tend to offer higher salaries, particularly for roles involving advanced skills like robotic surgery or surgical first assisting. Factors driving pay variability include the intricacies of subspecialties—where cardiovascular and neurosurgery positions typically command premium rates—along with additional stipends for call coverage and travel surgical tech positions. For those seeking to maximize their earnings in Oswego, pursuing certification in these specialized areas or aligning with facilities that offer competitive benefits could prove advantageous. As the market continues to evolve, staying informed about advancements in surgical technology will likely contribute positively to long-term career growth.
More salary data for Oswego, 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 $59,868 for surgical technologistsin the Oswego 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 Oswego 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