Elgin vs Rockford: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Elgin, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elgin, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,319▲ | $65,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.33▲ | $31.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,010 | $50,307▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,558 | $61,680▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,044▲ | $77,996 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,648▲ | $82,012 |
| Total Employed | 16 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Elgin, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Elgin and Rockford is $4,245 (6.52%). 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,Rockford spans $31,705. 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 1.10% more than Rockford ($70,614 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 Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 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 42.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Elgin, IL
$56,374 (2024) → $65,768 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$43,200 (2019) → $61,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
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