Madison vs South Milwaukee: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Madison, WI and South Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | South Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,030▲ | $72,603 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.48▲ | $34.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,274▲ | $53,397 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,974▲ | $61,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,278 | $84,950▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,943 | $105,614▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Madison and South Milwaukee is $7,427 (10.23%). Madison's median is +17.45% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $36,669,South Milwaukee spans $52,217. South Milwaukee has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($82,262 effective) pays 5.83% more than South Milwaukee ($77,733 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,030/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,262)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose South Milwaukee if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,614)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Madison grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.8% growth in South Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$55,340 (2019) → $75,930 (2025)
South Milwaukee, WI
$51,466 (2024) → $68,883 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
South Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Madison or South Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and South Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to South Milwaukee as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Madison vs South Milwaukee?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov