Menomonie vs Milwaukee: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Menomonie, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Menomonie, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,516 | $78,871▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.87 | $37.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,185 | $64,600▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,523 | $67,741▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,287▲ | $84,952 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,995▲ | $91,350 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 610▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Menomonie.
The salary gap between Menomonie and Milwaukee is $6,355 (8.76%). Milwaukee's median is +15.75% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Menomonie spans $47,810,Milwaukee spans $26,750. Menomonie has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($81,363 effective) pays 4.80% more than Menomonie ($77,640 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Menomonie if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,995)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($78,871/year)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,363)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Menomonie grew 33.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Menomonie, WI
$51,404 (2024) → $68,801 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$59,070 (2019) → $74,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Menomonie, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Menomonie or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Menomonie and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Menomonie to Milwaukee as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Menomonie vs 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