Surgical Tech Jobs in Illinois

If you're searching for surgical tech jobs in Illinois, this page highlights current opportunities across the state and provides key information about working as a surgical technologist. You'll also find details on certification expectations, salary ranges, and major employers.

The live job listings below show current surgical technologist openings across Illinois.

Certification and Licensure in Illinois

Illinois does not require state licensure for surgical technologists. However, most hospitals and surgical centers prefer candidates who have completed an accredited surgical technology program and hold the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential.

Graduates from programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES are typically eligible to sit for the CST exam. Even though certification is not mandated by state law, many Illinois employers expect new hires to be certified or become certified shortly after employment.

Surgical Tech Salaries in Illinois

According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data, surgical technologists in Illinois earn a mean annual wage of $59,560 and a median annual wage of $59,200.

Pay varies depending on experience, certification, and the type of facility. Surgical techs working in large hospital systems, trauma centers, or specialized surgical units often earn more than those in smaller outpatient settings. Certified surgical technologists and experienced operating room technicians typically command higher wages as well.

Where Surgical Techs Work in Illinois

Illinois has a large healthcare sector, with surgical technologists employed across major hospital networks and outpatient surgical centers.

Major employers include Northwestern Medicine, Rush University System for Health, Advocate Health, University of Chicago Medicine, and OSF HealthCare.

The highest concentration of scrub tech jobs is typically found in:

• Chicago
• Aurora
• Naperville
• Rockford
• Peoria
• Springfield

Chicago and its surrounding suburbs host the largest number of hospitals, academic medical centers, and ambulatory surgery centers in the state.

How to Become a Surgical Tech in Illinois

Most surgical technologists in Illinois complete a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program, which typically takes 9 to 24 months depending on whether the credential is a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

After graduation, many candidates pursue the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential to strengthen their job prospects and meet employer preferences.

Cost of Living Context

Illinois offers a wide range of living costs depending on location. While housing and expenses are higher in the Chicago metro area, smaller cities such as Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield tend to offer a more affordable cost of living relative to surgical technologist salaries.

See who's hiring now in Illinois.