Elgin vs Peoria: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Elgin, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,319▲ | $62,681 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.33▲ | $30.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,010▲ | $48,336 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,558 | $60,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,044▲ | $74,539 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,648▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Elgin, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Elgin and Peoria is $6,638 (10.59%). Elgin's median is +1.73% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elgin spans $56,638,Peoria spans $30,208. Elgin 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, Elgin ($71,389 effective) pays 3.91% more than Peoria ($68,706 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elgin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,319/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,648)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,389)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Elgin grew 16.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$56,374 (2024) → $65,768 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$44,160 (2019) → $59,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, 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