Lake in the Hills vs Peoria: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Lake in the Hills, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake in the Hills, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,082▲ | $62,681 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.81▲ | $30.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,350 | $48,336▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,427 | $60,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,035▲ | $74,539 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,737▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Lake in the Hills, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Lake in the Hills and Peoria is $1,401 (2.24%). Lake in the Hills's median is -5.96% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake in the Hills spans $50,387,Peoria spans $30,208. Lake in the Hills 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 4.11% more than Lake in the Hills ($65,996 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake in the Hills if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,082/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,737)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓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 Lake in the Hills grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Lake in the Hills, IL
$55,081 (2024) → $60,799 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$44,160 (2019) → $59,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake in the Hills, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Lake in the Hills or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake in the Hills and Peoria?
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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