Springfield vs Wheeling: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Springfield, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,970▲ | $63,961 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.71▲ | $30.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,016▲ | $48,413 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,685▲ | $55,651 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,067 | $79,524▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,150 | $95,317▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Springfield and Wheeling is $2,009 (3.14%). 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 Springfield spans $30,134,Wheeling spans $46,904. Wheeling 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, Springfield ($71,131 effective) pays 7.98% more than Wheeling ($65,871 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Wheeling if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,317)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Springfield grew 35.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 10.4% growth in Wheeling over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$46,190 (2020) → $62,590 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$54,976 (2024) → $60,684 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Wheeling, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Springfield or Wheeling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wheeling?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Wheeling as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Springfield vs Wheeling?
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