Chicago vs Bloomington: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Bloomington, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Bloomington, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,943 | $71,820▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.63 | $34.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,322▲ | $51,614 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,117▲ | $64,905 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,245 | $85,922▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,108▲ | $89,063 |
| Total Employed | 2,530▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Chicago and Bloomington are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Bloomington is $1,877 (2.68%). Bloomington's median is +5.40% 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,Bloomington spans $37,449. Chicago 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, Bloomington ($76,782 effective) pays 13.73% more than Chicago ($67,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,108)
- ✓Larger job market (2,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,820/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,782)
- ✓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 64.0% growth in Bloomington over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$49,820 (2019) → $66,360 (2025)
Bloomington, IL
$41,550 (2019) → $68,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Bloomington, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Chicago or Bloomington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Bloomington?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Bloomington as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Chicago vs Bloomington?
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