Surgical Technologist Salary in Park Ridge, IL: $63,000 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Park Ridge, IL earns a median $63,000/year (≈ $30.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Park Ridge's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,882 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Park Ridge, Illinois, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,000, which positions them slightly below the national median of $68,141. This local estimate reflects a wide salary range, with compensation expected to vary from $48,076 at the lower end to $92,193 at the high end. Contributing to this potential salary landscape are emerging trends in robotic surgery certification, which are increasingly valued by employers and can command a premium in compensation. Local health care institutions are adapting to these advancements, indicating that certification can be a pivotal factor in salary negotiations for those entering the field.
About the Park Ridge Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,076 | $23.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,055 | $26.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,000 | $30.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,792 | $35.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,193 | $44.32 |
Median Salary Position
7.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Park Ridge
In Park Ridge, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,117 (2026 est.). At $63,000, the local median is 7.54% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Park Ridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Park Ridge Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Park Ridge median: $63,000/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Park Ridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,488 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -7.54% less |
Surgical Technologists in Park Ridge, IL earn a median of $63,000 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.54% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $65,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Park Ridge 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.
Park Ridge, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,000 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,882 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,656
2025 BLS Actual
$59,772
2026 Current Est.
$63,000
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Park Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,656 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,959 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,868 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,738 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,037 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,150 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,772 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,000 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,402 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Park Ridge metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $44,656 (2019) to $59,772 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,402 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,746 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Park Ridge 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) | $48,076 – $55,055 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,055 – $63,000 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,000 – $74,792 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,792 – $92,193 |
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 Park Ridge
In Park Ridge, the job market for surgical technologists remains stable, with only seven professionals employed locally, highlighting a tight-knit community. The area's cost-of-living index is slightly below the national average at 97.1, which can influence take-home pay and overall financial stability. Among local employers, hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, particularly those focused on orthopedic and cardiac procedures, generally offer the most competitive pay. The disparity between lower and higher salaries often stems from various factors, including specialty areas of practice, certification in robotic surgery, and the increased responsibilities associated with roles like surgical first assistant. For those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Park Ridge, seeking additional certifications, exploring travel positions, or targeting high-demand specialties can enhance overall earning potential.
More salary data for Park Ridge, 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 $59,772 for surgical technologistsin the Park Ridge 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 Park Ridge 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