Chicago vs Naperville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Chicago, IL and Naperville, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Naperville, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,943 | $70,674▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.63 | $33.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,322▲ | $47,803 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,117▲ | $57,641 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,245 | $86,174▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,108 | $109,544▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,530▲ | 23 |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Naperville is $731 (1.05%). Naperville's median is +3.72% 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,Naperville spans $61,741. Naperville 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, Naperville ($72,785 effective) pays 7.80% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (2,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,674/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,544)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,785)
- ✓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 16.7% growth in Naperville over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$49,820 (2019) → $66,360 (2025)
Naperville, IL
$57,475 (2024) → $67,053 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Naperville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Chicago or Naperville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Naperville?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Naperville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
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