Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Wisconsin Rapids, WI: $33.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Wisconsin Rapids, WI runs $33.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,068 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Wisconsin Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,040 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wisconsin Rapids, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at a median of $33.69, reflecting a competitive advantage over the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate provides significant earning potential, especially for part-time and per-diem workers who may commonly replace full-time staffing in hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, or specialty surgical suites. For an individual working three days a week, this translates to a solid income while offering flexibility that many professionals in this field seek. Entry-level surgical technologists can expect rates starting at around $25.62, while experienced professionals may earn up to $46.77 per hour, creating a diverse payer ecosystem that accommodates varying levels of expertise and specialization.
About the Wisconsin Rapids Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.62 | $204.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.48 | $227.83 |
| Median (P50) | $33.69 | $269.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.99 | $319.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.77 | $374.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wisconsin Rapids
Based on $33.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.69/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wisconsin Rapids, WI can expect to earn approximately $70,067 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,423. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wisconsin Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wisconsin Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,347.43 | $5,839 | $70,067 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.46 | $3,503 | $42,040 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.97 | $2,336 | $28,027 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Wisconsin Rapids) | $33.69 |
| 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 Wisconsin Rapids, WI earn a median of $70,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.83% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 8.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $76,410.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.69/hr = $42,040/year (purchasing power: $45,011).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,067/year (purchasing power: $75,018).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wisconsin Rapids grew 33.9% from $23.88/hr (2019) to $31.96/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.50/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 Wisconsin Rapids 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 Wisconsin Rapids
Consider the practical implications of this compensation structure. For a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay would differ significantly from a full-time position, underscoring the appeal of part-time roles particularly among those balancing other commitments. Per diem surgical technologist pay in Wisconsin Rapids often ranges from $35 to $55 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiovascular or neuro surgery commanding premiums as high as $75 per hour. Moreover, travel contracts can command rates between $1,800 and $2,800 per week, drawing many professionals to opportunity-rich environments. Different employer types in the region can produce varied pay rates; for instance, surgical technologists in high-acuity settings might earn better compared to those in rural facilities. Thus, when negotiating their hourly rate, surgical technologists must weigh the benefits of higher pay against a lack of health insurance and job security, ensuring they choose arrangements that align with their professional and personal goals in the evolving landscape of surgical services in WI.
More salary data for Wisconsin Rapids, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Wisconsin Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time surgical technologists make in Wisconsin Rapids?
Are surgical technologists in Wisconsin Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time surgical technologist make per year in Wisconsin Rapids?
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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 Wisconsin Rapids. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Wisconsin Rapids 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