Milwaukee vs Oshkosh: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Oshkosh, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Oshkosh, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,871▲ | $75,772 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.92▲ | $36.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,600▲ | $63,177 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,741▲ | $67,351 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,952▲ | $81,516 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,350▲ | $89,664 |
| Total Employed | 610▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oshkosh.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Oshkosh is $3,099 (4.09%). Milwaukee's median is +15.75% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $26,750,Oshkosh spans $26,487. Milwaukee 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, Oshkosh ($81,538 effective) pays 0.21% more than Milwaukee ($81,363 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,871/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,350)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Oshkosh if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,538)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Milwaukee grew 26.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.8% growth in Oshkosh over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$59,070 (2019) → $74,830 (2025)
Oshkosh, WI
$51,420 (2019) → $71,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Oshkosh, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Milwaukee or Oshkosh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Oshkosh?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Oshkosh as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Milwaukee vs Oshkosh?
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