Gurnee vs Springfield: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Gurnee, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gurnee, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,570 | $65,970▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.04 | $31.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,583 | $53,016▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,438 | $65,685▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,151▲ | $76,067 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,325▲ | $83,150 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gurnee.
The salary gap between Gurnee and Springfield is $1,400 (2.17%). Springfield's median is -3.19% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gurnee spans $44,742,Springfield spans $30,134. Gurnee 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, Springfield ($71,131 effective) pays 6.97% more than Gurnee ($66,498 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gurnee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,325)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,970/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,131)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Gurnee grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Gurnee, IL
$55,500 (2024) → $61,262 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$46,190 (2020) → $62,590 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gurnee, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Gurnee or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gurnee and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Gurnee to Springfield as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Gurnee vs Springfield?
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