HealthcareUpdated Q1 2026

Surgical Technologist Salary
in Aurora, IL

Assist surgeons during operations by preparing and passing instruments and supplies. Median salary in Aurora: $55K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$55K
per year
Take-home: $36K

Salary range in Aurora

Entry level (25th)$43,000
Median (50th)$55,000
Senior (75th)$68,000
Top earner (90th)$86,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Aurora, Illinois. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

Help build this dataset. Add your own Surgical Technologist salary so other workers in Aurora have better numbers to work with.
Submit yours β†’

What the numbers say for Aurora

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

5% discount vs national median

Surgical Technologists in Aurora earn approximately 5% lower than the US national median for this role β€” a $3,000 discount on annual base salary. Aurora's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 95 (US avg = 100).

Rent eats 43% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Aurora ($1,300/mo) consumes approximately 43% of an after-tax median Surgical Technologist salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($68K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Primarily on-site role

Only 2% of Surgical Technologist positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Aurora salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Aurora

Median salary
$55K
annual
Take-home pay
$36K
after fed/state tax
COL index
95
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,300
per month
YoY growth
+3.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Aurora Surgical Technologist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $55K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Aurora

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Surgical Technologist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$46K$50K$54K$58K$62K201920212023202520272029
2026
$56K
projected
2027
$58K
projected
2028
$59K
projected
2029
$61K
projected
2030
$62K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$55,000+$0
2028 projected$55,000+$0
2029 projected$55,000+$0
2030 projected$55,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

Full salary breakdown & negotiation guide

Unlock the full salary report + negotiation email template

Enter your email for free access. We'll send salary market updates β€” unsubscribe anytime.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Surgical Technologist Salary in Aurora, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Surgical Technologist salary in Aurora, IL is $55,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Aurora–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Surgical Technologist in Aurora

Entry-level Surgical Technologists in Aurora with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $43,000 and $55,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $55,000 to $68,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $68,000 to $86,000 or more.

Cost of living in Aurora for Surgical Technologists

Aurora has a cost of living index of 95 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 5% further in Aurora than the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Surgical Technologist

Associate's in Surgical Technology; CST certification. 2% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Surgical Technologist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Aurora (current)$55K95
Chicago$65K107
Joliet$52K90
Naperville$68K118
Rockford$46K80