Des Plaines vs Rockford: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Des Plaines, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,343 | $65,074▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.45 | $31.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,397 | $50,307▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,013 | $61,680▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,648 | $77,996▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,698▲ | $82,012 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Des Plaines and Rockford is $1,731 (2.73%). Rockford's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Plaines spans $48,301,Rockford spans $31,705. Des Plaines 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 8.25% more than Des Plaines ($65,235 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,698)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,074/year)
- ✓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 Des Plaines grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Des Plaines, IL
$54,446 (2024) → $60,098 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$43,200 (2019) → $61,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Plaines, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Des Plaines or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Plaines and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Des Plaines to Rockford as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Des Plaines vs Rockford?
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