Surgical Technologist Salary in Wheaton, IL: $64,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Wheaton, IL earns a median $64,397/year (≈ $30.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Wheaton's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $66,320 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheaton, Illinois, the lucrative field of surgical technology is reflected in the projected median annual salary of $64,397 for 2026. This figure places local pay approximately 5.49% lower than the national median of $68,141, indicating a competitive but slightly restrained market. The overall salary range for surgical technologists in Wheaton spans from $47,825 at the 10th percentile to $97,350 at the 90th percentile. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments reaffirm the importance of certifications in the field, particularly with the growing trend of robotic surgery that not only enhances surgical precision but also adds a significant premium to specialty pay. As Wheaton's healthcare facilities continue to adapt to new technologies, the demand for certified surgical technologists is likely to remain strong.
About the Wheaton Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,825 | $22.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,543 | $26.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,397 | $30.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,196 | $38.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,350 | $46.80 |
Median Salary Position
5.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wheaton
In Wheaton, IL, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,525 (2026 est.). At $64,397, the local median is 5.49% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wheaton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wheaton Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Wheaton median: $64,397/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wheaton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $65,511 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.49% less |
Surgical Technologists in Wheaton, IL earn a median of $64,397 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.49% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $65,511.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wheaton 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.
Wheaton, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,397 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,320 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,646
2025 BLS Actual
$61,098
2026 Current Est.
$64,397
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wheaton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,979 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,864 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,885 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,351 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,098 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,875 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wheaton metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $45,646 (2019) to $61,098 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,875 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,229 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wheaton 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) | $47,825 – $55,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,543 – $64,397 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,397 – $80,196 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,196 – $97,350 |
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 Wheaton
The local job market features 14 surgical technologists currently employed, which suggests a close-knit community of professionals in the field. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power for surgical technologists in Wheaton is relatively favorable, offering a practical environment amidst competitive wages. Key employers such as hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities offer the best compensation opportunities. Factors driving salary variation include specialty areas, with cardiovascular and neuro surgical technologists earning higher premiums compared to general surgery roles, as well as additional stipends for robotic surgical certifications and first assistant roles. Those seeking to maximize earnings in Wheaton should consider gaining expertise in high-demand specialties and pursuing advanced certifications. The combination of local demand and specialized skills will be crucial in optimizing surgical technologist pay in Wheaton, IL.
More salary data for Wheaton, 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 $61,098 for surgical technologistsin the Wheaton 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 Wheaton 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