Arlington Heights vs Chicago: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,481 | $69,943▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.00 | $33.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,019 | $53,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,713 | $66,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,398 | $83,245▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,640 | $99,108▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 2,530▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Chicago is $5,462 (8.47%). Chicago's median is +2.64% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $49,621,Chicago spans $45,786. Arlington Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($67,516 effective) pays 1.67% more than Arlington Heights ($66,407 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,943/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,108)
- ✓Larger job market (2,530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,516)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Arlington Heights grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$55,423 (2024) → $61,177 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$49,820 (2019) → $66,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Arlington Heights or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Chicago as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Arlington Heights vs Chicago?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov