Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Menomonee Falls, WI: $54,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Menomonee Falls, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,012 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonee Falls's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,829 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($75,310) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a starting surgical technologist salary in Menomonee Falls projected at $54,012 for 2026, new graduates should set realistic expectations as they begin their careers. This entry-level pay reflects a gap from the city's median annual salary of $75,310, indicating that early-career professionals can anticipate a substantial salary growth as they gain experience. Over the first few years, salaries may rise significantly, with opportunities to move from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, where earnings are expected to reach $63,493. Given the growth trajectory of 5.40% annually, Menomonee Falls is currently a favorable market for newcomers to the field, providing a solid foundation for those starting out as surgical technologists.
About the Menomonee Falls Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonee Falls
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 Menomonee Falls
Entry-level surgical technologists in Menomonee Falls, WI typically start between $54,012 and $63,493 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $52,504 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $75,310 — 10.52% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wisconsin of $10,000 represents just 18.51% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($54,012/year) in Menomonee Falls. 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 Menomonee Falls
- 1Research the Menomonee Falls market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $54,012 to $63,493, 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 Menomonee Falls, 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 Menomonee Falls for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonee Falls'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 Menomonee Falls is $52,504 ( 97.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,012, experienced hygienists can earn up to $106,516.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,279
2025 BLS Actual
$51,245
2026 Current Est.
$54,012
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Menomonee Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,279 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,347 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,333 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,245 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,929 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonee Falls, WI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,279 in 2019 to $51,245 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,929. New graduates entering the Menomonee Falls job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonee Falls 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 Menomonee Falls
When examining the job market, hospitals’ operating rooms in Menomonee Falls serve as primary employers for entry-level surgical technologists, especially those equipped with a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers may also be appealing, offering a no-call lifestyle that is ideal for new grads. However, specialty surgical centers—such as those focusing on orthopedics or ophthalmology—often prefer hiring experienced surgical technologists. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, it's crucial for new professionals to earn credentials like a diploma or associate's degree from CAAHEP-accredited programs and hold a CST certification from NBSTSA. Networking through professional organizations like the AST can also provide insights into career progression, particularly into high-demand specialties such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. In the first three years, salary growth can vary, but new graduates can realistically expect to achieve increases as they gain vital experience and consider further certifications, potentially including robotic surgery (da Vinci) training or pursuing the CSFA role.
More salary data for Menomonee Falls, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Menomonee Falls in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Menomonee Falls?
Is surgical services school worth it in Menomonee Falls?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Menomonee Falls?
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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 Menomonee Falls. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonee Falls 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