Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Waukegan, IL: $101,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Waukegan, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $101,660/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Waukegan's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $104,696 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Top-tier compensation for experienced surgical technologists in Waukegan, Illinois, holds significant potential, with projections for 2026 indicating a remarkable $101,660 at the 90th percentile. This figure places Waukegan's top earners in a competitive position compared to national counterparts, who average a median of $68,141. With a median annual salary of $65,617, there’s a substantial gap that highlights the financial benefits of advancing in the profession. Reaching top-tier pay in Waukegan requires targeted efforts, including specialization in high-demand areas and gaining advanced certifications that signal expertise and readiness for leadership roles.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Waukegan earn between $80,694 and $101,660 per year (2026 est.). This $56,205 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Waukegan median of $65,617 sits 3.7% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Waukegan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $65,617 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,694 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $101,660 | $102,175 |
In Waukegan, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 54.93% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Waukegan
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $65,617 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Waukegan employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Waukegan command premium compensation, often reaching the $80,694–$101,660 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Waukegan metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Waukegan with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Waukegan
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWaukegan ranks #3 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $101,660).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Waukegan ($101,660) is 6.06% above the Illinois average P90 ($95,849).
2019 BLS Actual
$71,041
2025 BLS Actual
$96,452
2026 Current Est.
$101,660
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,041 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,742 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,558 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,165 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,731 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,227 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,452 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,150 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Waukegan saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $71,041 in 2019 to $96,452 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $107,150 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Waukegan
Focusing on premium-paying specialties is crucial for elevating one’s earning potential as an experienced surgical technologist in Waukegan. Fields such as cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic surgery, and robotic surgery — particularly with da Vinci certification — command higher salaries, allowing for more lucrative career pathways. Compensation also varies by employer; hospitals and specialized surgical centers often provide competitive pay, while travel surgical tech positions may include additional benefits for flexibility. Career advancement to positions like OR supervisor or surgical first assistant can further enhance earnings. Obtaining advanced credentials, such as the CST certification or specialized training, amplifies marketability and indicates a commitment to professional growth in this evolving field. Non-salary benefits, including specialty-focused stipends and call coverage, can significantly influence overall compensation for senior surgical technologists in this market.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Waukegan in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Waukegan?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Waukegan?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Waukegan?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Waukegan?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $96,452 for surgical technologists in the Waukegan metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waukegan 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