Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $55,137 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Manitowoc, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,137 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manitowoc's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,033 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,086) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the Manitowoc area, new graduates pursuing a career as a surgical technologist can expect to start with salaries around $55,137 in 2026. This figure represents the entry-level pay for those just beginning their careers, significantly lower than the city's median annual salary of $73,086. However, there's room for growth; as entry-level surgical technologists gain experience, they can realistically look to advance to $63,399 within a few years. For those considering a career in this field, Manitowoc offers a market that presents both opportunities and challenges for new grads, thanks to its healthy projected annual growth rate of 5.40%. With strategic planning and continued education, recent graduates can position themselves for a successful career trajectory.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manitowoc
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
Entry-level surgical technologists in Manitowoc, WI typically start between $55,137 and $63,399 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,069 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,086 — 7.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wisconsin of $10,000 represents just 18.14% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($55,137/year) in Manitowoc. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Manitowoc
- 1Research the Manitowoc market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $55,137 to $63,399, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Manitowoc, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Manitowoc for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manitowoc's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Manitowoc is $51,069 ( 92.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,137, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,206.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,055
2025 BLS Actual
$52,312
2026 Current Est.
$55,137
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,055 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,853 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,052 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,277 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,932 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,312 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,137 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,114 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Manitowoc, WI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,055 in 2019 to $52,312 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,114. New graduates entering the Manitowoc job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Manitowoc
Various healthcare employers in Manitowoc actively recruit new graduates in surgical technology, with hospitals holding the most opportunities for entry-level positions. These employers typically seek candidates with a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, as well as certification from the NBSTSA to qualify for the CST credential. Hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers often provide openings with no-call options, aligning well with the lifestyle preferences of new surgical technologists. Expanding one's skill set in specialized areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery can lead to enhanced starting pay. Moreover, obtaining certifications in robotic surgery can provide a competitive edge in the job market. In this evolving healthcare environment, first-year pay can see modest increases as graduates adapt and grow, setting a foundation for a rewarding career path in Wisconsin's surgical technology field.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Manitowoc in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Manitowoc?
Is surgical services school worth it in Manitowoc?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Manitowoc?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Wisconsin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Manitowoc. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Manitowoc is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov