Surgical Technologist Salary in West Bend, WI: $75,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in West Bend, WI earns a median $75,091/year (≈ $36.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in West Bend's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $80,397 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in West Bend are projected to earn a median annual salary of $75,091, representing a 10.20% increase compared to the national median of $68,141 for the same year. The salary ranges widely from $53,727 at the lower end (P10) to $105,576 at the top (P90), which reflects significant disparities based on specialty areas and experience levels. Data derived from 2025 BLS estimates adjusted for regional cost factors indicate that those specializing in complex fields such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery tend to command higher compensation, enhancing their earning potential in a city where specialized skills are in demand. As the local healthcare market continues to evolve, opportunities for surgical technologists to step into roles that require advanced certifications and specialties are likely to affect salary dynamics significantly.
About the West Bend Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,727 | $25.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,038 | $30.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,091 | $36.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,508 | $43.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,576 | $50.76 |
Median Salary Position
10.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Bend
In West Bend, WI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,849 (2026 est.). At $75,091, the local median is 10.2% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Bend: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Bend Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
West Bend median: $75,091/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Bend Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $76,390 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +10.20% more |
Surgical Technologists in West Bend, WI earn a median of $75,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.20% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 1.70% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,390.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Bend 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.
West Bend, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $75,091 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $80,397 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,226
2025 BLS Actual
$71,244
2026 Current Est.
$75,091
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in West Bend (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,226 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,480 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,668 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,792 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,244 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,146 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Bend metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $53,226 (2019) to $71,244 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,146 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,920 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Bend 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) | $53,727 – $63,038 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,038 – $75,091 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,091 – $89,508 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,508 – $105,576 |
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 West Bend
With just five surgical technologists currently employed in West Bend, the job market is relatively small, yet it presents a distinct competitive advantage for practitioners. The cost-of-living index at 93.4, which is below the national average, enhances the purchasing power of these salaries, allowing residents to enjoy a more favorable lifestyle while working in healthcare. Surgical technologists looking for higher pay may find better opportunities in prominent local facilities such as specialized surgical centers focused on orthopedic and cardiothoracic procedures or even within the VA surgical units. Factors driving the pay variation include specialty certifications, call coverage, and roles within trauma centers, highlighting the advantages of obtaining credentials related to robotic surgery to distinguish oneself. Strategies for maximizing surgical technologist pay in West Bend include seeking advanced training programs, pursuing certifications such as CST or CSFA, and remaining open to travel surgical tech assignments that often offer premium compensation rates.
More salary data for West Bend, 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 $71,244 for surgical technologistsin the West Bend 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 West Bend 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