Brookfield vs Madison: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Brookfield, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brookfield, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,133 | $80,030▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.12 | $38.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,906 | $65,274▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,031 | $68,974▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,558▲ | $84,278 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,915▲ | $101,943 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookfield.
The salary gap between Brookfield and Madison is $4,897 (6.52%). Madison's median is +17.45% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookfield spans $52,009,Madison spans $36,669. Brookfield 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, Madison ($82,262 effective) pays 2.26% more than Brookfield ($80,442 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brookfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,915)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,030/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,262)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Brookfield grew 33.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Brookfield, WI
$53,259 (2024) → $71,284 (2025)
Madison, WI
$55,340 (2019) → $75,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brookfield, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Brookfield or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brookfield and Madison?
Should I relocate from Brookfield to Madison as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Brookfield vs Madison?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov