Chicago vs Aurora: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Aurora, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Aurora, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,943▲ | $64,703 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.63▲ | $31.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,322▲ | $45,583 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,117▲ | $52,698 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,245▲ | $80,199 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,108▲ | $97,783 |
| Total Employed | 2,530▲ | 44 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Chicago and Aurora is $5,240 (8.10%). 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 Chicago spans $45,786,Aurora spans $52,200. Aurora has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($67,516 effective) pays 1.32% more than Aurora ($66,635 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Chicago grew 33.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$49,820 (2019) → $66,360 (2025)
Aurora, IL
$55,614 (2024) → $61,388 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Aurora, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Chicago or Aurora?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Aurora?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Aurora as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Chicago vs Aurora?
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