Normal vs Peoria: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Normal, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Normal, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,526▲ | $62,681 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.54▲ | $30.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,958 | $48,336▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,375 | $60,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,086▲ | $74,539 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,325▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Normal, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Normal and Peoria is $845 (1.35%). Normal's median is -6.77% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Normal spans $50,367,Peoria spans $30,208. Normal 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 5.02% more than Normal ($65,423 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Normal if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,526/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,325)
- ✓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 Normal grew 10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Normal, IL
$54,602 (2024) → $60,271 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$44,160 (2019) → $59,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Normal, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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