Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Beloit, WI: $54,815 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Beloit, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $54,815 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beloit's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $58,688 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($78,555) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Beloit, Wisconsin, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field can expect a starting salary around $54,815 in 2026. This figure falls below the city’s median annual salary of $78,555, creating a noticeable gap for early-career professionals. However, aspiring surgical technologists have a promising growth trajectory ahead. Within the first 3 to 5 years, they can reasonably anticipate increasing their salaries to P25 levels of approximately $69,704, eventually progressing toward the median. With a positive economic outlook and a projected annual job growth rate of 5.40%, Beloit presents an inviting market for new grads looking to launch their careers in surgical technology.
About the Beloit Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Beloit
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beloit
Entry-level surgical technologists in Beloit, WI typically start between $54,815 and $69,704 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,789 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $78,555 — 15.28% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wisconsin of $10,000 represents just 18.24% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($54,815/year) in Beloit. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Beloit
- 1Research the Beloit market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $54,815 to $69,704, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beloit, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Beloit for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Beloit's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Beloit is $56,789 ( 103.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $54,815, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,604.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,834
2025 BLS Actual
$52,007
2026 Current Est.
$54,815
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Beloit (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,834 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,626 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,807 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,992 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,007 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,579 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,007 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,815 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,775 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Beloit, WI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,834 in 2019 to $52,007 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $57,775. New graduates entering the Beloit job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beloit 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.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Beloit
Employers in Beloit seeking to hire entry-level surgical technologists primarily include hospital operating rooms, which tend to onboard new graduates with general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers also present opportunities, offering enticing no-call schedules for newly minted CSTs. For those considering advanced career strategies, obtaining credentials such as the CST certification through NBSTSA and completing a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program is essential, especially since these have become the federal hiring standard since 2021. New surgical technologists should prioritize gaining skills in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular or neurosurgery to command better starting pay. Additionally, certification in robotic surgery can further enhance employment prospects and salary potential as these competencies become increasingly valued in the field. Within the first few years, a realistic expectation for salary growth may see new graduates advancing notably as they gain experience and refine their qualifications.
More salary data for Beloit, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Beloit in 2026?
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Is surgical services school worth it in Beloit?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Beloit. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Beloit 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