Des Plaines vs Springfield: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Des Plaines, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Plaines, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,635▲ | $39,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.02▲ | $19.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,034 | $36,819▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,706 | $37,869▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,801▲ | $46,784 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,213▲ | $47,794 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Des Plaines, IL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Des Plaines and Springfield is $1,834 (4.61%). Des Plaines's median is -12.76% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Plaines spans $28,179,Springfield spans $10,975. Des Plaines 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, Springfield ($42,914 effective) pays 0.08% more than Des Plaines ($42,878 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,635/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,213)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,914)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Des Plaines grew -7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Des Plaines, IL
$43,181 (2024) → $39,949 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$33,650 (2019) → $38,189 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Plaines, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Des Plaines or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Plaines and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Des Plaines to Springfield as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Des Plaines vs Springfield?
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