Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Platteville, WI: $101,488 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Platteville, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $101,488/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Platteville's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $108,660 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Platteville, WI, the potential for top-tier earnings in the surgical technologist profession is significant, with the 2026 salary data projecting top earners accruing as much as $101,488 annually. Such figures position the area competitively, particularly when compared to the national top earners. The median salary for experienced surgical technologists is projected at $71,413, indicating a substantial experience premium found within the upper echelons of this field. Achieving this level of pay necessitates not only extensive years of service—typically over seven—but also a commitment to continual skill development, additional certifications, and specialization in high-demand surgical areas.
About the Platteville Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Platteville
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Platteville earn between $86,442 and $101,488 per year (2026 est.). This $44,902 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Platteville median of $71,413 sits 4.8% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Platteville | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $71,413 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,442 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $101,488 | $102,175 |
In Platteville, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 42.11% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Platteville
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $71,413 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Platteville employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Platteville command premium compensation, often reaching the $86,442–$101,488 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Platteville 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 Platteville 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 Platteville
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedPlatteville ranks #32 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $101,488).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Platteville ($101,488) is 7.63% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($94,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$70,920
2025 BLS Actual
$96,288
2026 Current Est.
$101,488
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Platteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,618 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,429 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,032 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,591 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,282 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,288 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,488 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,968 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Platteville saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $70,920 in 2019 to $96,288 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 $106,968 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Platteville 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 Platteville
Mastery in specialized fields such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery can lead to increased compensation for senior surgical technologists in Platteville. The employment setting greatly influences salary expectations as well; professionals working in hospital operating rooms generally earn more than those in ambulatory surgery centers or specialty clinics. Advancement opportunities abound for those aiming for leadership roles, including positions such as lead surgical tech or OR supervisor, with additional certifications like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) enhancing prospects. Moreover, obtaining credentials from the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) is essential to align with the federal hiring standards set in 2021. Non-salary compensation factors, including specialization stipends and shift differentials, can further augment the already competitive senior surgical technologist pay in WI.
More salary data for Platteville, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Platteville in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Platteville?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Platteville?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Platteville?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Platteville?
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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 $96,288 for surgical technologists in the Platteville 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 Platteville 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