Crystal Lake vs Peoria: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Crystal Lake, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Crystal Lake, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,012 | $45,634▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.72 | $21.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,882 | $36,169▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,882 | $44,073▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,421▲ | $47,204 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,397▲ | $55,929 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Crystal Lake.
The salary gap between Crystal Lake and Peoria is $4,622 (11.27%). Peoria's median is -4.38% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Crystal Lake spans $26,515,Peoria spans $19,760. Crystal Lake 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, Peoria ($50,020 effective) pays 18.43% more than Crystal Lake ($42,237 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Crystal Lake if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,397)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,634/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,020)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Crystal Lake grew -7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 48.3% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Crystal Lake, IL
$42,534 (2024) → $39,351 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$29,520 (2019) → $43,786 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Crystal Lake, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Crystal Lake or Peoria?
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Should I relocate from Crystal Lake to Peoria as a sterile processing technician?
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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