Surgical Technologist in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
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.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
| State License Required | No |
| Education | Completion of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program. |
| Exam | NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam ($340) |
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 30.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | 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. |
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
Surgical Technologist Salary in Illinois
The median surgical technologist salary in Illinois is $62,510 per year, which is 0.5% below the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,340 |
| 25th | $57,720 |
| 50th (median) | $62,510 |
| 75th | $76,180 |
| 90th (experienced) | $106,300 |
Illinois employs approximately 3,730 surgical technologists.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Surgical Technologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.