Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Racine, WI: $114,366 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Racine, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $114,366/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Racine's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $122,448 in average-cost America. The 52% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Racine, Wisconsin, experienced surgical technologists who achieve senior-level status are positioned to earn well above the median, with top earners (P90) projected to make $114,366 in 2026. The substantial gap between the median salary of $75,399 and this peak compensation highlights the lucrative potential for specialists and those at the forefront of surgical technology. To reach these impressive salary benchmarks, professionals must consistently hone their skills, pursue advanced certifications such as CST or CSFA, and often gain experience in high-demand specialties. Comparatively, the most skilled surgical technologists in Racine are better compensated than their national counterparts, reinforcing the city's status as a competitive market for top-tier surgical tech pay.
About the Racine Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Racine
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Racine earn between $94,359 and $114,366 per year (2026 est.). This $57,907 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Racine median of $75,399 sits 10.65% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Racine | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $75,399 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,359 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $114,366 | $102,175 |
In Racine, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 51.68% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Racine
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $75,399 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Racine employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Racine command premium compensation, often reaching the $94,359–$114,366 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Racine 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 Racine 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 Racine
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRacine ranks #2 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $114,366).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Racine ($114,366) is 21.29% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($94,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$79,920
2025 BLS Actual
$108,507
2026 Current Est.
$114,366
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Racine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,920 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,834 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,001 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,072 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,507 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,366 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,542 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Racine saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $79,920 in 2019 to $108,507 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 $120,542 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Racine 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 Racine
As they advance in their careers, surgical technologists in Racine typically gravitate towards high-paying specializations, including cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic-assisted procedures, such as those involving the da Vinci system. These roles often command the highest premiums across various employment settings, which can include hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. Additionally, leadership opportunities like OR supervisor and surgical first assistant present viable pathways for further compensation enhancement. Holding recognized credentials beyond the standard, coupled with expertise in specific surgical fields, can drive salary increases significantly. Non-salary benefits stand out as well; for instance, positions requiring on-call coverage, certification in robotic surgery, or designation in trauma centers often come with added financial incentives, further sweetening the overall compensation landscape for senior surgical technologists in this region.
More salary data for Racine, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Racine in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Racine?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Racine?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Racine?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Racine?
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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 $108,507 for surgical technologists in the Racine 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 Racine 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