CertOutlook

Surgical Technologist in Illinois

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$62,510
trending_down -0.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.

engineering
3,730

Jobs (IL)

monitoring Strong
+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments
$440

Licensing fees

schedule
9-24 months

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Illinois

To become a surgical technologist in Illinois, individuals can voluntarily register with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to use the title "Registered Surgical Technologist." This requires completing a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program and passing the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam. The CST exam costs $340 for non-members, and the IDFPR application fee is $100. Registration must be renewed every two years with 30 continuing education hours. Illinois also offers reciprocity for surgical technologists registered or licensed in other states.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,340
25th percentile $57,720
50th (median) $62,510
75th percentile $76,180
90th (experienced) $106,300

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Illinois requirements

Licensing bodyIllinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
State license Not required
EducationCompletion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.
ExamNBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($340)
Application fee$100
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing education30.0 hours per cycle
NotesIllinois does not require a state license to practice as a surgical technologist, but rather offers a voluntary registration with the IDFPR for those who wish to use the title "Registered Surgical Technologist." To be eligible for registration, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and hold current certification from the NBSTSA. A bill (HB1598) is under consideration that would require certification for surgical technologists hired or contracted by a healthcare facility on or after January 1, 2027. Some programs may require a mandatory drug screen and background check for clinical portions.

Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+4.5%
Faster than average
Annual openings
7,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
115,600
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.48/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a surgical technologist career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a surgical technologist in Illinois? expand_more
The path to surgical technologist licensure in Illinois: complete the required education (Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program.), pass the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam, and submit your application ($100 fee).
Do I need a license to work as a surgical technologist in Illinois? expand_more
Illinois does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: Illinois does not require a state license to practice as a surgical technologist, but rather offers a voluntary registration with the IDFPR for those who wish to use the title "Registered Surgical Technologist." To be eligible for registration, individuals must be at least 18 years of age and hold current certification from the NBSTSA. A bill (HB1598) is under consideration that would require certification for surgical technologists hired or contracted by a healthcare facility on or after January 1, 2027. Some programs may require a mandatory drug screen and background check for clinical portions.
How much does a surgical technologist make in Illinois? expand_more
In Illinois, the median pay for surgical technologists comes to $62,510/year. — within a few percent of the $62,830 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $48,340, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $106,300.
How much does it cost to become a surgical technologist in Illinois? expand_more
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($340) and application fee ($100) plus your education and training.
How long does it take to become a surgical technologist in Illinois? expand_more
Most candidates in Illinois complete the process in 9-24 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
Does Illinois require continuing education for surgical technologists? expand_more
Illinois requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your surgical technologist license.

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