Kankakee vs Peoria: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Kankakee, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kankakee, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,177▲ | $62,681 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.38▲ | $30.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,109 | $48,336▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,357 | $60,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,175 | $74,539▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,717 | $78,544▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Kankakee and Peoria are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kankakee and Peoria is $496 (0.79%). Kankakee's median is -7.28% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kankakee spans $30,608,Peoria spans $30,208. Kankakee 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, Peoria ($68,706 effective) pays 4.83% more than Kankakee ($65,540 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kankakee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,177/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,544)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,706)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Kankakee grew 23.2% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Kankakee, IL
$48,650 (2022) → $59,940 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$44,160 (2019) → $59,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kankakee, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Kankakee or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kankakee and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Kankakee to Peoria as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Kankakee vs Peoria?
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