Fond du Lac vs Madison: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Fond du Lac, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fond du Lac, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,862 | $80,030▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.03 | $38.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,295 | $65,274▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,934 | $68,974▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $88,518▲ | $84,278 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,451▲ | $101,943 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 330▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fond du Lac.
The salary gap between Fond du Lac and Madison is $7,168 (9.84%). 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 Fond du Lac spans $51,156,Madison spans $36,669. Fond du Lac 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 5.45% more than Fond du Lac ($78,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fond du Lac if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,451)
- ✓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 Fond du Lac grew 28.9% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Fond du Lac, WI
$53,630 (2020) → $69,129 (2025)
Madison, WI
$55,340 (2019) → $75,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fond du Lac, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Fond du Lac or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fond du Lac and Madison?
Should I relocate from Fond du Lac to Madison as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Fond du Lac 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