Gurnee vs Springfield: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Gurnee, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gurnee, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,442▲ | $39,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.41▲ | $19.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,925 | $36,819▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,284 | $37,869▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,473▲ | $46,784 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,669▲ | $47,794 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Gurnee, IL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Gurnee and Springfield is $2,641 (6.64%). Gurnee's median is -11.07% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gurnee spans $25,744,Springfield spans $10,975. Gurnee 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, Gurnee ($43,710 effective) pays 1.85% more than Springfield ($42,914 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gurnee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,442/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,669)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,710)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Gurnee grew -7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Gurnee, IL
$44,018 (2024) → $40,723 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$33,650 (2019) → $38,189 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gurnee, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Gurnee or Springfield?
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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