Surgical Technologist Salary in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $70,068 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Wisconsin Rapids, WI earns a median $70,068/year (≈ $33.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Wisconsin Rapids's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $75,019 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wisconsin Rapids, the projected salary for surgical technologists in 2026 is $70,068, which shows a slight increase compared to the national median of $68,141. The local salary range extends from $53,287 at the 10th percentile to $97,279 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the field. Jobs in this sector can vary greatly depending on the type of facility employed, including hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical centers. For those considering a surgical technologist career in Wisconsin Rapids, understanding the specific pay structures and demands of local employers is essential, particularly as the field continues to expand and adapt to advancements in surgical technology and certifications.
About the Wisconsin Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,287 | $25.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,245 | $28.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,068 | $33.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,184 | $39.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,279 | $46.77 |
Median Salary Position
2.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wisconsin Rapids
In Wisconsin Rapids, WI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,992 (2026 est.). At $70,068, the local median is 2.83% above the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wisconsin Rapids: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wisconsin Rapids Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Wisconsin Rapids median: $70,068/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wisconsin Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $76,410 | -8.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | +2.83% more |
Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $70,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.83% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,410.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wisconsin Rapids 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.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $70,068 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,019 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,666
2025 BLS Actual
$66,478
2026 Current Est.
$70,068
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,666 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,116 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,902 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,542 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,669 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,478 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,068 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,851 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wisconsin Rapids metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $49,666 (2019) to $66,478 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,185 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wisconsin Rapids 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) | $53,287 – $59,245 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,245 – $70,068 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,068 – $83,184 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,184 – $97,279 |
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 Wisconsin Rapids
The job market in Wisconsin Rapids currently supports five surgical technologists, indicative of a growing healthcare sector. The cost-of-living index here stands at 93.4, meaning that salaries can stretch further than in many other regions, enhancing overall purchasing power. Among local employers, hospitals generally offer the most competitive pay, but specialty surgical centers focusing on high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery tend to provide greater incentives for specialized skills such as robotic surgery certifications. Variations in wages stem from factors such as the complexity of procedures, required skill sets, and additional responsibilities like on-call duties or travel. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Wisconsin Rapids, pursuing advanced certifications, engaging in continuous education, and seeking positions at facilities with high-demand specialties are strong strategies for career advancement.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, 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 $66,478 for surgical technologistsin the Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids 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