Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Wausau, WI: $57,422 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Wausau, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,422 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Wausau's local price level (BEA RPP 92.7 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,977 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($73,179) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates seeking a career as a surgical technologist in Wausau, WI, the starting salary is projected at around $57,422 in 2026. While this may initially seem lower than the median annual salary of $73,179 for the area, it reflects a realistic entry point for recent graduates. Over the first few years, as new surgical technologists gain experience, they can expect their earnings to grow, moving toward the $64,673 mark at the 25th percentile, and eventually reaching or surpassing the median. This steady increase is encouraging given the positive job outlook in Wausau, making it an attractive market for new graduates looking to enter this vital healthcare field.
Career Earnings Timeline in Wausau
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 Wausau
Entry-level surgical technologists in Wausau, WI typically start between $57,422 and $64,673 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $34,107 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $73,179 — 7.39% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wisconsin of $10,000 represents just 17.41% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($57,422/year) in Wausau. 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 Wausau
- 1Research the Wausau market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $57,422 to $64,673, 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 Wausau, 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 Wausau for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Wausau'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 Wausau is $34,107 ( 59.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,422, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,529.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,650
2025 BLS Actual
$54,480
2026 Current Est.
$57,422
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,650 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,120 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,200 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,530 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,422 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,523 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Wausau, WI grew 27.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,650 in 2019 to $54,480 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $60,523. New graduates entering the Wausau job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wausau 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 Wausau
Employers in Wausau primarily include hospital operating rooms where most new CST graduates secure entry-level positions, particularly those who complete a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers are another option, offering a desirable no-call lifestyle for early-career professionals. While specialty surgical centers typically seek experienced surgical technologists, obtaining the CST credential from the NBSTSA, along with a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, can significantly enhance starting pay in Wisconsin. In the first three years, dedicated surgical technologists may find opportunities for salary advancement by pursuing certifications in areas such as robotic surgery or by gaining experience in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Engaging with local chapters of organizations like AST can provide additional networking and professional development strategies for long-term success in this rewarding career.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Wausau in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Wausau?
Is surgical services school worth it in Wausau?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Wausau?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Wisconsin?
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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 Wausau. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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