Champaign vs Chicago: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,995 | $69,943▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.73 | $33.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,334 | $53,322▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,912 | $66,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,723 | $83,245▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,657 | $99,108▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 2,530▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $3,948 (5.98%). Chicago's median is +2.64% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $52,323,Chicago spans $45,786. Champaign 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, Champaign ($67,966 effective) pays 0.67% more than Chicago ($67,516 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,966)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,943/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,108)
- ✓Larger job market (2,530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Champaign grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.2% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$48,600 (2019) → $62,614 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$49,820 (2019) → $66,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Champaign or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Chicago as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Champaign vs Chicago?
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