Surgical Technologist Salary in Racine, WI: $75,399 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Racine, WI earns a median $75,399/year (≈ $36.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Racine's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $80,727 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Racine, Wisconsin, the projected median annual salary for surgical technologists in 2026 is $75,399, positioning the local pay approximately 10.65% higher than the national median of $68,141. With a salary range extending from $56,459 at the lower end (P10) to $114,366 (P90) for those at the top of the earning scale, surgical technologists in this area benefit from strong demand. The estimates, based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations, reflect a competitive job market, particularly for those entering specialized fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery. This increasing demand for specialists contributes to the potential for enhanced earnings and job stability within Racine’s healthcare environment.
About the Racine Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,459 | $27.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,379 | $31.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,399 | $36.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,359 | $45.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,366 | $54.99 |
Median Salary Position
10.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Racine
In Racine, WI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,907 (2026 est.). At $75,399, the local median is 10.65% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Racine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Racine Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Racine median: $75,399/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Racine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $76,392 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +10.65% more |
Surgical Technologists in Racine, WI earn a median of $75,399 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.65% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,392.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Racine 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.
Racine, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $75,399 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,727 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,445
2025 BLS Actual
$71,536
2026 Current Est.
$75,399
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,445 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,005 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,699 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,066 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,448 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,536 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,399 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,470 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Racine metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $53,445 (2019) to $71,536 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,470 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,025 (48.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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) | $56,459 – $65,379 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,379 – $75,399 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,399 – $94,359 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,359 – $114,366 |
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 Racine
The local market for surgical technologists in Racine consists of just 13 professionals, indicating a small yet specialized workforce. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 93.4, salaries in the area can provide a comfortable living for many. Among the highest-paying employers are specialty surgical centers focusing on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures, as well as hospital operating rooms. The disparity in earnings can often be attributed to several factors, including specialty certifications, call coverage, and potential bonuses for extra roles such as surgical first assistants. For those looking to maximize their pay, pursuing certification in robotic surgery or gaining experience in trauma centers can lead to improved compensation opportunities in this competitive market. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring surgical technologists make informed decisions about their career pathways in Racine, WI.
More salary data for Racine, 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
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 $71,536 for surgical technologistsin the Racine 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 Racine 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