Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Caledonia, WI: $51,353 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Caledonia, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $51,353 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Caledonia's local price level (BEA RPP 93.4 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $54,982 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($74,054) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates stepping into the surgical technologist field in Caledonia, Wisconsin can anticipate a starting salary around $51,353 in 2026. This initial pay is considerably lower than the overall median salary of $74,054 for surgical technologists in the area, highlighting a substantial gap of approximately $22,701. However, with experience, entry-level professionals can expect their earnings to grow significantly within the first three to five years, progressing toward the 25th percentile figure of $65,414 and potentially reaching the median. This favorable growth trajectory suggests that Caledonia presents a promising market for new grads looking to jumpstart their careers in surgical technology.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Caledonia
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 Caledonia
Entry-level surgical technologists in Caledonia, WI typically start between $51,353 and $65,414 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $58,132 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $74,054 — 8.68% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Wisconsin of $10,000 represents just 19.47% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($51,353/year) in Caledonia. 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 Caledonia
- 1Research the Caledonia market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $51,353 to $65,414, 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 Caledonia, 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 Caledonia for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Caledonia'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 Caledonia is $58,132 ( 113.20%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $51,353, experienced hygienists can earn up to $109,485.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$35,444
2025 BLS Actual
$48,722
2026 Current Est.
$51,353
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Caledonia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,186 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,213 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,101 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,722 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,353 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,126 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Caledonia, WI grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $35,444 in 2019 to $48,722 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $54,126. New graduates entering the Caledonia job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Caledonia 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 Caledonia
Employers in Caledonia primarily hiring new graduate surgical technologists include hospital operating rooms, which typically offer general specialty rotations, and ambulatory surgery centers providing a no-call lifestyle. Specialty surgical centers focusing on orthopedics or ophthalmology often seek seasoned surgical technologists, though the demand for entry-level technicians remains steady. To enhance starting pay in Wisconsin, new grads should focus on obtaining credentials such as a diploma or an associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, along with CST certification from the NBSTSA. Engaging in continued education, including potential certifications in robotic surgery, can provide an edge. After entering the workforce, a strategic approach in these formative years will be essential, as those specializing in high-demand areas like cardiovascular or neurosurgery may reap the benefits of elevated pay scales. Overall, entry-level surgical technologists in Caledonia can expect realistic salary growth over their initial work years, making this profession a viable option for new graduates.
More salary data for Caledonia, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Caledonia in 2026?
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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 Caledonia. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Caledonia 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