Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $35.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Wausau, WI runs $35.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,179 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,908 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the surgical technologist hourly pay averages $35.18, significantly higher than the national average of $32.76. This median rate offers competitive compensation for both part-time and per diem surgical technologists. Working three days a week, a surgical technologist can expect to earn a stable income, while those seeking per diem opportunities find flexibility in their schedules, often working in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical facilities. The range of pay in this field spans from $27.60 for entry-level positions (10th percentile) to as much as $44.00 for seasoned professionals (90th percentile), indicating that with experience and specialization, surgical technologists in Wausau can command a lucrative rate in various clinical settings.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.60 | $220.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.09 | $248.74 |
| Median (P50) | $35.18 | $281.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.54 | $308.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.00 | $352.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $35.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.18/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $73,180 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,219. With a cost-of-living index of 92.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,407.30 | $6,098 | $73,180 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $844.38 | $3,659 | $43,908 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $562.92 | $2,439 | $29,272 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Wausau) | $35.18 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Wausau, WI earn a median of $73,179 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.39% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 4.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,387.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.18/hr = $43,908/year (purchasing power: $47,391).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,180/year (purchasing power: $78,984).
CoL index: 92.651 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.56/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wausau grew 25.7% from $26.56/hr (2019) to $33.38/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.08/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Wausau
Examining the potential for part-time earnings reveals distinct differences when contrasted against full-time roles. For a surgical technologist working just 24 hours a week, the annual take-home could be considerably lower than that of a full-time employee. Per diem surgical technologists can command between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery achieving rates of $50 to $75 per hour. Travel contracts offer even greater earning potential, with surgical technologists able to earn between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly, particularly in high-demand areas. Hourly rates also fluctuate depending on the type of employer; for instance, hospital operating rooms may offer different pay structures compared to private specialty surgical centers. When considering job offers, the trade-off between higher hourly wages and the availability of benefits like health insurance plays a critical role in decision-making for many professionals. Surgical technologists should remain proactive, negotiating effectively based on their skills and market demand in Wausau to secure the best possible hourly rate in a competitive environment.
More salary data for Wausau, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Wausau. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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