Madison vs River Falls: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,030▲ | $72,010 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.48▲ | $34.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,274▲ | $51,951 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,974▲ | $63,298 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,278 | $87,755▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,943 | $103,637▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $8,020 (11.14%). 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 Madison spans $36,669,River Falls spans $51,686. River Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($82,262 effective) pays 6.70% more than River Falls ($77,099 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,637)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Madison grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$55,340 (2019) → $75,930 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$51,046 (2024) → $68,321 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Madison or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Madison vs River Falls?
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