Chicago is one of the Midwest’s largest healthcare hubs, with major hospital systems, academic medical centers, and surgical networks hiring surgical technologists. This page highlights surgical tech jobs in Chicago and provides quick insights into local employers, salaries, and training paths.
Below you’ll find the latest surgical tech, scrub tech, and operating room technician jobs currently available in Chicago.
Surgical technologists in Chicago work across large hospital networks, university medical centers, and outpatient surgery centers. Major employers include Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, University of Chicago Medical Center, Advocate Health Care, and UI Health.
These systems operate high-volume operating rooms and specialty surgical programs, creating consistent demand for scrub techs, OR techs, and certified surgical technologists across the metro area.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, surgical technologists in Illinois earn a mean annual wage of $62,830, with a median annual wage of $60,450. The 10th percentile wage is $43,160, while the 90th percentile reaches $78,870.
Actual pay in Chicago varies based on experience, certification status, surgical specialty, and whether you work in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center.
Illinois does not require a state license for surgical technologists. However, many employers prefer or require candidates to hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential and graduate from an accredited surgical technology program.
Certification can help improve job prospects and access to higher-paying surgical tech roles.
Most surgical technologists complete an accredited surgical technology program that typically takes 12 to 24 months. Programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES include classroom instruction along with clinical training in operating rooms.
Community colleges and technical schools throughout the Chicago area offer programs that prepare students for entry-level scrub tech and OR technician positions.
Chicago’s cost of living is higher than many Midwestern cities but lower than coastal metros. Surgical technologist salaries in the area can provide a stable income, particularly for experienced CSTs working in large hospital systems.
See who's hiring now in Chicago.