Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Menomonie, WI: $53,185 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Menomonie, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $53,185 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Menomonie's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $56,943 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,516) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Menomonie, Wisconsin, the starting pay can be around $53,185, which is a reasonable entry-point compared to citywide averages. This entry-level salary is significantly lower than the median annual wage of $72,516, but it does reflect the broader job market for early-career professionals. In the first few years of work, increasing experience can boost earnings: reaching approximately $61,523 by the 25th percentile before approaching the median. Given that the projected growth rate for this profession is 5.40% annually, Menomonie presents a promising market for new surgical technologists, offering opportunities for advancement and salary increments as they gain experience.
About the Menomonie Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Menomonie
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 Menomonie
Entry-level surgical technologists in Menomonie, WI typically start between $53,185 and $61,523 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,810 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,516 — 6.42% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wisconsin of $10,000 represents just 18.80% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($53,185/year) in Menomonie. 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 Menomonie
- 1Research the Menomonie market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $53,185 to $61,523, 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 Menomonie, 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 Menomonie for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Menomonie'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 Menomonie is $47,810 ( 89.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $53,185, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,995.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,708
2025 BLS Actual
$50,460
2026 Current Est.
$53,185
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Menomonie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,708 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,477 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,564 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,683 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,520 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,460 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,185 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,057 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Menomonie, WI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,708 in 2019 to $50,460 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $56,057. New graduates entering the Menomonie job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Menomonie 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 Menomonie
Menomonie is home to various healthcare facilities offering positions for new graduates, particularly in hospital operating rooms where entry-level surgical technologists can gain invaluable experience. Ambulatory surgery centers also present a favorable environment with a no-call lifestyle, appealing to many young professionals. Completing a diploma or associate’s degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and obtaining the CST certification through the NBSTSA will position candidates to meet the federal hiring standard established in 2021. Additionally, pursuing specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery may result in higher starting salaries, making it beneficial for new grads to focus on niche areas in their early years. Moreover, certifications in robotic surgery can provide a competitive edge. Overall, realistic salary expectations over their initial years in this market lie between $61,523 and the median, as new surgical technologists build their skills and networks within the healthcare community in WI.
More salary data for Menomonie, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Menomonie. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Menomonie 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