Decatur vs Rockford: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Decatur, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,437▲ | $65,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.94▲ | $31.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,299 | $50,307▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,822 | $61,680▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,307▲ | $77,996 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,796▲ | $82,012 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Decatur, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Decatur and Rockford is $1,363 (2.09%). Decatur's median is -2.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $50,497,Rockford spans $31,705. Decatur 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, Rockford ($70,614 effective) pays 3.21% more than Decatur ($68,421 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,437/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,796)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,614)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Decatur grew 6.8% from 2023 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Decatur, IL
$59,040 (2023) → $63,033 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$43,200 (2019) → $61,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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