Arlington Heights vs Peoria: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,481▲ | $62,681 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.00▲ | $30.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,019 | $48,336▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,713 | $60,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,398▲ | $74,539 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,640▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Arlington Heights, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Peoria is $1,800 (2.87%). Arlington Heights's median is -5.37% 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,Peoria spans $30,208. 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, Peoria ($68,706 effective) pays 3.46% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,481/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,640)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,706)
- ✓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 34.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$55,423 (2024) → $61,177 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$44,160 (2019) → $59,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Arlington Heights or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Peoria as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Arlington Heights vs Peoria?
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