Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $34.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $34.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,447 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,474 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wauwatosa, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $34.83, which is well above the national average of $32.76. This competitive rate offers a strong incentive for both full-time and part-time professionals in hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers to consider their options carefully. For those working part-time at three days a week, this rate translates to a fulfilling income that allows for flexibility in both work and life. Entry-level positions may start around $25.78 per hour, while top earners can reach up to $51.17 per hour, indicating a robust pay scale for surgical technologists in the area. These hourly figures are derived from the projected annual salary estimates and reflect the demand for skilled technicians in a variety of surgical environments.
About the Wauwatosa Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.78 | $206.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.85 | $238.79 |
| Median (P50) | $34.83 | $278.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.89 | $343.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.17 | $409.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa
Based on $34.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.83/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $72,456 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,802. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,393.39 | $6,038 | $72,456 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $836.03 | $3,623 | $43,474 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.36 | $2,415 | $28,982 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Wauwatosa) | $34.83 |
| 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 Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $72,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.32% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,421.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.83/hr = $43,474/year (purchasing power: $46,546).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,456/year (purchasing power: $77,576).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wauwatosa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wauwatosa grew 33.9% from $24.69/hr (2019) to $33.05/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.72/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 Wauwatosa 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 Wauwatosa
Exploring part-time options, a surgical technologist in Wauwatosa working 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $47,402 annually, a viable income when combined with other commitments or roles. Per diem surgical technologists generally charge between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized skills in cardiovascular and neurosurgery potentially earning $50 to $75 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts can provide lucrative opportunities, with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, depending on the specialty. Different employer types, such as hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and military units, can influence hourly wages. Moreover, the choice between lower hourly rates with benefits and higher pay without them becomes a common decision in this field. For those negotiating their pay, it's beneficial to research the local market and emphasize skills like robotic surgery certification or specialized training, which can provide leverage in discussions around salary and benefits.
More salary data for Wauwatosa, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wauwatosa in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Wauwatosa?
Are surgical technologists in Wauwatosa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Wauwatosa?
Do surgical technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Wauwatosa?
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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 Wauwatosa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wauwatosa 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