Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Oak Creek, WI: $55,491 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Oak Creek, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,491 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oak Creek's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $59,412 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,235) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Considering a career as a surgical technologist in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, new graduates can anticipate a starting salary around $55,491 in 2026. This figure represents a significant entry point when compared to the city's median annual salary of $73,235. In the first few years of professional experience, entry-level techs can realistically expect their pay to rise, moving toward the 25th percentile earning $63,706 and potentially approaching the median as they gain skills and experience, all while benefitting from a growing job market. With a projected 5.40% annual growth rate in the sector, Oak Creek currently offers a favorable environment for recent graduates eager to embark on their careers, especially given the local demand for surgical technologists.
About the Oak Creek Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oak Creek
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 Oak Creek
Entry-level surgical technologists in Oak Creek, WI typically start between $55,491 and $63,706 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,807 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,235 — 7.48% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wisconsin of $10,000 represents just 18.02% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($55,491/year) in Oak Creek. 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 Oak Creek
- 1Research the Oak Creek market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $55,491 to $63,706, 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 Oak Creek, 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 Oak Creek for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oak Creek'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 Oak Creek is $53,807 ( 96.97%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,491, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,298.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,300
2025 BLS Actual
$52,648
2026 Current Est.
$55,491
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oak Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,102 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,322 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,534 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,574 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,180 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,648 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,491 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,488 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Oak Creek, WI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,300 in 2019 to $52,648 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,488. New graduates entering the Oak Creek job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Creek 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 Oak Creek
When it comes to securing an entry-level role, several employers in Oak Creek actively seek new surgical technologist graduates. Hospitals typically hire graduates with a general specialty rotation, while ambulatory surgery centers are an appealing option for those desiring a no-call lifestyle. Given recent educational requirements, aspiring surgical technologists must complete a diploma or an associate degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, in addition to obtaining CST certification from the NBSTSA. Continuing education, such as obtaining certification as a surgical first assistant (CSFA) or specializing in robotic surgery, can lead to better pay and employment opportunities. In the early years, new surgical techs should focus on gaining diverse experience, as those who specialize in areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery may see their salaries reflecting the higher pay associated with these specialties.
More salary data for Oak Creek, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Oak Creek in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Oak Creek?
Is surgical services school worth it in Oak Creek?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Oak Creek?
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 Oak Creek. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oak Creek 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