Rockford vs Tinley Park: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Rockford, IL and Tinley Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Tinley Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,074▲ | $64,692 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.28▲ | $31.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,307▲ | $48,251 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,680▲ | $56,151 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,996 | $80,917▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,012 | $98,386▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tinley Park.
The salary gap between Rockford and Tinley Park is $382 (0.59%). Rockford's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $31,705,Tinley Park spans $50,135. Tinley Park has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($70,614 effective) pays 5.99% more than Tinley Park ($66,624 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,074/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,614)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Tinley Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,386)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Rockford grew 42.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Tinley Park over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$43,200 (2019) → $61,740 (2025)
Tinley Park, IL
$55,605 (2024) → $61,378 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Tinley Park, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Rockford or Tinley Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Tinley Park?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Tinley Park as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Rockford vs Tinley Park?
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