Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Franklin, WI: $107,307 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Franklin, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $107,307/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Franklin's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $114,890 in average-cost America. The 46% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Wisconsin, seasoned surgical technologists can expect to see significant rewards for their expertise, with top earners projected to reach an impressive $107,307 in 2026. The salary range for experienced professionals reflects a clear experience premium, revealing a gap between the median pay of $73,467 and the uppermost tier. This distinction is essential for those aiming to ascend in their careers; reaching top-tier compensation in Franklin not only necessitates years of hands-on experience but often requires specialized training and certifications. Achieving robust salaries presents a unique opportunity for experienced surgical technologists to maximize their value in a market where their skills are in high demand.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Franklin earn between $90,073 and $107,307 per year (2026 est.). This $51,263 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Franklin median of $73,467 sits 7.82% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Franklin | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $73,467 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,073 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $107,307 | $102,175 |
In Franklin, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 46.06% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Franklin
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $73,467 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Franklin employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Franklin command premium compensation, often reaching the $90,073–$107,307 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Franklin metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Franklin with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Franklin
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedFranklin ranks #14 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $107,307).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Franklin ($107,307) is 13.8% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($94,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$74,986
2025 BLS Actual
$101,809
2026 Current Est.
$107,307
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,986 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,782 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,754 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,506 | Actual |
| 2023 | $87,326 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,243 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,809 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,307 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $113,101 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Franklin saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $74,986 in 2019 to $101,809 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $113,101 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Franklin
Expanding on compensation factors for senior surgical technologists in Franklin, specialists in high-demand fields such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery often command higher salaries than their counterparts in general surgery roles. In particular, being da Vinci certified can lead to notable pay increases, as facilities look to enhance their robotic surgery teams. Compensation can also vary significantly depending on the employer. Hospitals typically offer different package structures compared to ambulatory surgery centers or specialty surgical facilities, such as orthopedics or cardiothoracic units. Furthermore, leadership roles, such as lead surgical technologist or surgical first assistant, provide additional advancement opportunities and often come with higher pay. By securing advanced credentials like CST certification through the NBSTSA and ensuring compliance with CAAHEP accreditation standards, seasoned surgical technologists can further enhance their earning potential in WI, with additional compensation incentives for on-call coverage or specialty certifications playing a critical role in overall salary.
More salary data for Franklin, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Franklin in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Franklin?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Franklin?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Franklin?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Franklin?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $101,809 for surgical technologists in the Franklin metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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