Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Eau Claire, WI: $37.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Eau Claire, WI runs $37.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,945 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Eau Claire's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,367 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, surgical technologists earn a median hourly rate of $37.95, significantly higher than the national median of $32.76. This advantage reflects not only the demand for skilled surgical professionals in the region but also the various work environments available to them, such as main operating rooms in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialized surgical facilities. For part-time workers clocking in three days a week, this translates into a robust income, whereas per-diem roles in diverse settings can vary. The hourly wage ranges from $31.46 for entry-level positions to as much as $46.42 for experienced surgical technologists and those with specialized skills. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, illustrating the solid earning potential in this vital healthcare role in Eau Claire.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.46 | $251.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.10 | $256.84 |
| Median (P50) | $37.95 | $303.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.04 | $320.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.42 | $371.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eau Claire
Based on $37.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.95/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eau Claire, WI can expect to earn approximately $78,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,545. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eau Claire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eau Claire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,518.18 | $6,579 | $78,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $910.91 | $3,947 | $47,367 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $607.27 | $2,632 | $31,578 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Eau Claire) | $37.95 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $78,945 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.86% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.30% above the Wisconsin state average of $76,423.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.95/hr = $47,367/year (purchasing power: $51,045).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,945/year (purchasing power: $85,074).
CoL index: 92.796 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Eau Claire grew 29.3% from $27.84/hr (2019) to $36.01/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.00/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Eau Claire 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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Eau Claire
Despite the tempting hourly rate, part-time surgical technologists working a typical 24-hour week may find their annual earnings less than optimal compared to full-time counterparts. While per-diem surgical technologists often bill between $35 and $55 an hour, those involved in specialized fields like cardiovascular or neuro surgery can command even higher rates, ranging from $50 to $75. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly, especially for cardiac-focused roles. Differences in pay can also arise based on the employer type, with surgical technologists in hospital settings generally receiving a more stable hourly pay and benefits compared to those in specialty surgical centers or travel contracts. It's essential for surgical technologists in Eau Claire to weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and the lower rates that include health insurance. When negotiating salaries, consider leveraging in-demand specialties like robotic surgery to negotiate better rates. Understanding the local market dynamics can ensure surgical technologists align their career goals with their earning potential in the Eau Claire area.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Eau Claire. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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