Springfield vs Streamwood: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Springfield, IL and Streamwood, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Streamwood, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,801 | $41,165▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.13 | $19.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,819▲ | $33,255 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,869▲ | $35,197 |
| 75th Percentile | $46,784 | $50,850▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,794 | $59,811▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Streamwood, IL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and Streamwood is $1,364 (3.43%). Streamwood's median is -13.74% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $10,975,Streamwood spans $26,556. Streamwood 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, Springfield ($42,914 effective) pays 1.23% more than Streamwood ($42,394 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,914)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Streamwood if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,165/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,811)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Springfield grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.5% growth in Streamwood over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$33,650 (2019) → $38,189 (2025)
Streamwood, IL
$42,693 (2024) → $39,498 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Streamwood, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Springfield or Streamwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Streamwood?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Streamwood as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Springfield vs Streamwood?
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