Buffalo Grove vs Chicago: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Buffalo Grove, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo Grove, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,281 | $48,655▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.32 | $23.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,703 | $39,481▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,589 | $46,874▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,121 | $57,399▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,129 | $71,276▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 2,140▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo Grove.
The salary gap between Buffalo Grove and Chicago is $6,374 (15.08%). Chicago's median is +1.95% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo Grove spans $27,426,Chicago spans $31,795. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced sterile processing technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($46,967 effective) pays 7.86% more than Buffalo Grove ($43,544 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,655/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,276)
- ✓Larger job market (2,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,967)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Buffalo Grove grew -7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Buffalo Grove, IL
$43,851 (2024) → $40,569 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$39,720 (2019) → $46,685 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo Grove, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Buffalo Grove or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo Grove and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Buffalo Grove to Chicago as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Buffalo Grove vs Chicago?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% 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 Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov