Bloomington vs Rockford: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bloomington, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,820▲ | $65,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.53▲ | $31.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,614▲ | $50,307 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,905▲ | $61,680 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,922▲ | $77,996 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,063▲ | $82,012 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Rockford is $6,746 (10.37%). Bloomington's median is +5.40% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $37,449,Rockford spans $31,705. Bloomington 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, Bloomington ($76,782 effective) pays 8.73% more than Rockford ($70,614 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,820/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,063)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,782)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bloomington grew 64.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Bloomington, IL
$41,550 (2019) → $68,140 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$43,200 (2019) → $61,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bloomington or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Rockford as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bloomington vs Rockford?
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