Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Whitewater, WI: $34.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Whitewater, WI runs $34.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Whitewater's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,500 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Whitewater, Wisconsin, the projected median hourly pay for surgical technologists is $34.86, which exceeds the national median of $32.76 by 6.41%. This competitive hourly rate is significant for those pursuing part-time work or per-diem positions in various surgical settings, such as hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and trauma OR suites. For a surgical technologist working three days a week, the hourly earnings allow for flexible schedules while still providing a comfortable income. The range of hourly wages spans from $25.56 for entry-level positions (P10) up to $50.54 for top earners (P90), reflecting the different levels of experience and specialization within the role. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, providing a snapshot of the financial landscape for surgical technologists in Whitewater as they navigate their career paths.
About the Whitewater 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) | $25.56 | $204.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.58 | $236.60 |
| Median (P50) | $34.86 | $278.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.79 | $326.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.54 | $404.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Whitewater
Based on $34.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.86/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Whitewater, WI can expect to earn approximately $72,500 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,827. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Whitewater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Whitewater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,394.23 | $6,042 | $72,500 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $836.54 | $3,625 | $43,500 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $557.69 | $2,417 | $29,000 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Whitewater) | $34.86 |
| 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 Whitewater, WI earn a median of $72,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.41% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 5.10% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,407.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.86/hr = $43,500/year (purchasing power: $46,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,500/year (purchasing power: $77,623).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Whitewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Whitewater grew 33.9% from $24.71/hr (2019) to $33.07/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.74/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 Whitewater 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 Whitewater
Considering part-time arrangements, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week can anticipate a solid annual income while benefiting from a schedule that allows for work-life balance. Per diem surgical technologists in the Whitewater area can command rates between $35 and $55 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiovascular and neuro surgery pushing earnings up to $50-$75 per hour, making specialization a lucrative choice. Traveling surgical techs enjoy even greater financial rewards, with contracts offering $1,800 to $2,800 per week, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiac surgery. Employers like hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and travel nursing agencies each present varied hourly rates. Some professionals may opt for hospitals that offer lower hourly wages but include the advantage of health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay in agency positions that lack benefits. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial when negotiating pay rates in Whitewater, where an informed perspective can lead to better compensation discussions.
More salary data for Whitewater, 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 Whitewater. 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 Whitewater 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