Surgical Technologist Salary in Middleton, WI: $70,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Middleton, WI earns a median $70,654/year (≈ $33.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Middleton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $75,647 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Middleton, Wisconsin, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists stands at $70,654 for 2026, exceeding the national median of $68,141 by approximately 3.69%. Salaries within the area range significantly, from $54,714 at the 10th percentile to $101,599 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy market for skilled professionals. These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions and cost of living. The rising trend towards robotic surgery certification has also introduced new compensation opportunities, positioning those with such credentials in a favorable light within the job market. This has the potential to influence hiring and salary considerations among local employers.
About the Middleton Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,714 | $26.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,049 | $29.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,654 | $33.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,050 | $41.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,599 | $48.84 |
Median Salary Position
3.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Middleton
In Middleton, WI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,885 (2026 est.). At $70,654, the local median is 3.69% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Middleton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Middleton Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Middleton median: $70,654/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Middleton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $76,383 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +3.69% more |
Surgical Technologists in Middleton, WI earn a median of $70,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.69% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 7.50% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,383.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Middleton has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Middleton, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $70,654 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,647 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$50,081
2025 BLS Actual
$67,034
2026 Current Est.
$70,654
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Middleton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,081 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,024 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,845 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,085 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,034 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,469 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Middleton metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $50,081 (2019) to $67,034 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,469 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,388 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Middleton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,714 – $62,049 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,049 – $70,654 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,654 – $86,050 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,050 – $101,599 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Middleton
The job market for surgical technologists in Middleton includes a modest number of employed professionals—six surgical technologists, indicating a localized but potentially competitive landscape. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, salaries here may stretch further, promoting greater purchasing power compared to the national average. Employers that typically offer competitive pay in Middleton include hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. Notably, factors that drive salary variances include the demand for specialty certifications, such as those in cardiovascular or neurosurgery, as well as the offerings related to call coverage and advancements like robotic surgery. Surgical techs can enhance their marketability by pursuing additional certifications, particularly in high-demand specialties, or by considering travel surgical tech positions that often come with premium pay rates.
More salary data for Middleton, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Middleton, WI in 2026?
Is Middleton, WI a good place to work as a surgical technologist?
Can surgical technologists make $100K in Middleton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted surgical technologist salary in Middleton?
How much does a surgical technologist make per hour in Middleton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,034 for surgical technologistsin the Middleton metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middleton 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