Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $89,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Oshkosh, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $89,664/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Oshkosh's price premium (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $96,487 in average-cost America. The 18% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
Senior surgical technologists in Oshkosh, Wisconsin can anticipate substantial compensation in 2026, with potential salaries reaching as high as $89,664 for top earners. This figure reflects a significant premium when contrasted with the median annual salary of $75,772, highlighting the rewards that come with extensive experience in the field. As the demand for skilled surgical technologists continues to grow, achieving these top-tier earnings typically requires a combination of specialized training, extensive hands-on experience, and possibly leadership roles that reflect a deep understanding of surgical procedures and environments. The pay for senior roles emphasizes the value that years of practice and advanced competencies bring to both the professionals and their employers.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oshkosh
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Oshkosh earn between $81,516 and $89,664 per year (2026 est.). This $26,487 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Oshkosh median of $75,772 sits 11.2% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Oshkosh | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $75,772 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,516 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $89,664 | $102,175 |
In Oshkosh, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 18.33% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Oshkosh
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $75,772 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Oshkosh employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Oshkosh command premium compensation, often reaching the $81,516–$89,664 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedOshkosh ranks #42 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $89,664).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Oshkosh ($89,664) is 4.91% below the Wisconsin average P90 ($94,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,560
2025 BLS Actual
$85,070
2026 Current Est.
$89,664
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,160 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,070 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,506 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Oshkosh saw their compensation grow 27.8% from $66,560 in 2019 to $85,070 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 $94,506 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Reflecting the intricate dynamics of the surgical technology field, various specializations can influence senior surgical technologist pay in Wisconsin. Positions focusing on cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and robotic surgery, particularly for those certified in da Vinci systems, often command higher rates than general roles. Employers vary widely, from hospital operating rooms to specialty surgical centers and even travel surgical tech agencies, which can also influence overall compensation. Seeking advanced credentials such as the CST designation through the NBSTSA can substantially enhance earning potential, especially for those pursuing roles like surgical first assistant (CSFA), which may require additional training and certification. Non-salary benefits, including call coverage stipends and premium pay for working at trauma centers, further augment the financial appeal of escalated career paths in the Oshkosh area, making it a promising market for seasoned professionals analyzing their next career moves.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Oshkosh in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Oshkosh?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Oshkosh?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Oshkosh?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Oshkosh?
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
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 $85,070 for surgical technologists in the Oshkosh 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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