Surgical Technologist Salary in Wisconsin: $76,868 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Wisconsin's 46 metropolitan areas, the average median surgical technologist pay sits at $76,868/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2055. Because Wisconsin sits at BEA RPP 93.4 (7% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $82,300 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Madison ($75,930), Waukesha ($75,773), Eau Claire ($74,900).
In 2026, surgical technologists in Wisconsin can expect an average median salary of $76,868, which is approximately 12.8% higher than the national median of $68,141. This favorable comparison highlights Wisconsin's competitive landscape for surgical technologists. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with Madison offering the highest average at $80,030, while Kenosha presents the lowest at $63,335, creating a salary gap of $16,695. Factors contributing to this difference include the cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the overall economic conditions in each city. Wisconsin has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that shape the profession. These regulations ensure that surgical technologists are well-trained, thus meeting the growing demand for surgical services. The projected annual growth rate for this occupation is 5.40%, reflecting ongoing trends in healthcare where surgical procedures are increasingly common. With a total of 1,868 surgical technologists employed across 46 metro areas in the state, cities like Waukesha, Eau Claire, Milwaukee, and Beloit also present attractive salary potentials, ranging from $78,555 to $79,865. The outlook remains strong, indicating that a career as a surgical technologist in Wisconsin can offer both stability and advancement opportunities.
Wisconsin Surgical Technologist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Wisconsin: $51,191 (lowest entry-level) to $115,914 (highest top earner)
Wisconsin vs National Average
Wisconsin surgical technologists earn 12.81% more than the national median (+$8,727/year difference).
Wisconsin Surgical Technologist Salary Distribution (2026)
Surgical Technologist salaries in Wisconsin range from $62,410 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $94,295 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $76,868. The Wisconsin median is $8,727 above the US national median of $68,141. The average hourly rate is $36.96/hr. Approximately 1,868 surgical technologists are employed across 46 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,349
2025 BLS Actual
$72,930
2026 Current Est.
$76,868
2019–2027 Growth
+43.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,349 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,553 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,695 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,219 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,078 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,462 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,868 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,019 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 29.4% from $56,349 (2019) to $72,930 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,670 (43.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
Lowest Paying Cities in Wisconsin
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Kenosha | $63,335 |
| Sheboygan | $68,584 |
| Wisconsin Rapids | $70,068 |
| Middleton | $70,654 |
| Appleton | $70,850 |
Best Value Cities for Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Wisconsin cities offer the most purchasing power for surgical technologists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waukesha | $79,865 | 93.4 | $85,509 |
| Eau Claire | $78,945 | 92.796 | $85,074 |
| Beloit | $78,555 | 93.4 | $84,106 |
| Janesville | $78,375 | 93.703 | $83,642 |
| Green Bay | $77,068 | 93.086 | $82,792 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $62,410 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $76,868 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $94,295 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Wisconsin metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 46 Cities in Wisconsin
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Madison | $80,030 |
| 2 | Waukesha | $79,865 |
| 3 | Eau Claire | $78,945 |
| 4 | Milwaukee | $78,871 |
| 5 | Beloit | $78,555 |
| 6 | Janesville | $78,375 |
| 7 | Green Bay | $77,068 |
| 8 | West Allis | $76,482 |
| 9 | Fitchburg | $75,974 |
| 10 | Greenfield | $75,969 |
| 11 | Oshkosh | $75,772 |
| 12 | Racine | $75,399 |
| 13 | Menomonee Falls | $75,310 |
| 14 | Brookfield | $75,133 |
| 15 | West Bend | $75,091 |
| 16 | De Pere | $75,032 |
| 17 | New Berlin | $74,890 |
| 18 | Sun Prairie | $74,255 |
| 19 | Caledonia | $74,054 |
| 20 | Mount Pleasant | $74,018 |
| 21 | Muskego | $73,894 |
| 22 | La Crosse | $73,867 |
| 23 | Stevens Point | $73,549 |
| 24 | Franklin | $73,467 |
| 25 | Oak Creek | $73,235 |
| 26 | Wausau | $73,179 |
| 27 | Superior | $73,122 |
| 28 | Manitowoc | $73,086 |
| 29 | Fond du Lac | $72,862 |
| 30 | Pewaukee | $72,815 |
| 31 | Onalaska | $72,798 |
| 32 | South Milwaukee | $72,603 |
| 33 | Pleasant Prairie | $72,591 |
| 34 | Menomonie | $72,516 |
| 35 | Whitewater | $72,510 |
| 36 | Wauwatosa | $72,447 |
| 37 | Germantown | $72,395 |
| 38 | Marshfield | $72,367 |
| 39 | River Falls | $72,010 |
| 40 | Mequon | $71,418 |
| 41 | Platteville | $71,413 |
| 42 | Appleton | $70,850 |
| 43 | Middleton | $70,654 |
| 44 | Wisconsin Rapids | $70,068 |
| 45 | Sheboygan | $68,584 |
| 46 | Kenosha | $63,335 |
More Wisconsin Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore surgical technologist hourly pay in Wisconsin cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced surgical technologists.
Explore More Surgical Technologist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Wisconsin in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for surgical technologists in Wisconsin?
How does Wisconsin surgical technologist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level surgical technologist salary in Wisconsin?
How many surgical technologists are employed in Wisconsin?
Which Wisconsin city offers the best value for surgical technologists?
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
Statewide 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. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 surgical technologist compensation across Wisconsin. State averages are employment-weighted across 46 metro areas — larger metro areas with more surgical technologistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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