Surgical Technologist Salary in Palatine, IL: $65,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Palatine, IL earns a median $65,653/year (≈ $31.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Palatine's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $67,614 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Palatine, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $65,653, reflecting the local dynamics of prevalent healthcare settings. This salary fits within a range from $45,270 for entry-level positions to as high as $97,618 for experienced professionals, highlighting the diverse opportunities available in various facilities. Given the projected figures, surgical technologist compensation in Palatine tends to track closely but slightly lower than the national median of $68,141. This disparity may influence job seekers as they consider opportunities in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers, which can vary significantly in the types of procedures offered and the skill sets required.
About the Palatine Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,270 | $21.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,211 | $26.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,653 | $31.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,782 | $38.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,618 | $46.93 |
Median Salary Position
3.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Palatine
In Palatine, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,348 (2026 est.). At $65,653, the local median is 3.65% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Palatine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Palatine Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Palatine median: $65,653/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Palatine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,522 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.65% less |
Surgical Technologists in Palatine, IL earn a median of $65,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.65% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $65,522.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Palatine 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.
Palatine, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,653 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,614 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,536
2025 BLS Actual
$62,289
2026 Current Est.
$65,653
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Palatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,536 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,895 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,758 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,916 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,397 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,431 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,289 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,198 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Palatine metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,536 (2019) to $62,289 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,198 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,662 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Palatine 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) | $45,270 – $54,211 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,211 – $65,653 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,653 – $80,782 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,782 – $97,618 |
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 Palatine
Within Palatine, the job market for surgical technologists includes around 16 professionals, offering a relatively stable labor pool. However, the cost of living in the area, as indicated by a CoL index of 97.1, suggests that take-home pay provides a comfortable lifestyle, potentially enhancing purchasing power for local residents. Employers such as hospital operating rooms, especially those specializing in high-demand surgeries like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, typically offer the most competitive pay packages. Factors influencing the variance between salaries include specialized certifications, such as robotic surgery credentials, and the role of surgical first assistants, which can command higher wages. To optimize earning potential in Palatine, aspiring surgical technologists should pursue advanced training in specialty areas and consider opportunities in trauma centers or travel positions, which frequently provide higher compensation rates.
More salary data for Palatine, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Palatine?
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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 $62,289 for surgical technologistsin the Palatine 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 Palatine 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