Surgical Technologist Salary in Milwaukee, WI: $78,871 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Milwaukee, WI earns a median $78,871/year (≈ $37.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Milwaukee's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 96.9), that paycheck buys what $81,363 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% above the Wisconsin state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, can expect a median annual salary of $78,871, significantly higher than the national average of $68,141, representing a 15.75% premium. Their salaries range from $64,600 at the lowest ten percent to $91,350 for those at the high end of the spectrum, showing that there is a diverse salary structure influenced by factors such as experience, specialized training, and employer type. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, highlights the lucrative opportunities available in the city, particularly within various healthcare settings, including hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers. As more surgical procedures are performed with advanced technology and specialization, the demand for well-trained surgical technologists continues to rise in Milwaukee.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,600 | $31.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,741 | $32.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,871 | $37.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,952 | $40.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,350 | $43.92 |
Median Salary Position
15.75% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milwaukee
In Milwaukee, WI, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,750 (2026 est.). At $78,871, the local median is 15.75% above the national median of $68,141.
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How Milwaukee Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Milwaukee median: $78,871/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $76,425 | +3.20% more |
| National Average | $68,141 | +15.75% more |
Surgical Technologists in Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $78,871 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.75% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 3.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $76,425.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milwaukee has a cost of living 3.06% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 96.937 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $78,871 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,363 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.16% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,070
2025 BLS Actual
$74,830
2026 Current Est.
$78,871
2019–2027 Growth
+40.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,610 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,990 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,871 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,130 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 26.7% from $59,070 (2019) to $74,830 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,130 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,060 (40.73%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milwaukee 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,600 – $67,741 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,741 – $78,871 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,871 – $84,952 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,952 – $91,350 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Milwaukee
The local job market for surgical technologists is thriving, with approximately 610 professionals employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 96.937, Milwaukee provides a more affordable environment for surgical technologists compared to many other cities. Employers offering the highest pay include hospitals operating specialized surgical units, particularly those focused on cardiothoracic and orthopedic surgeries. The spread in wages can be attributed to factors such as specialty procedures, call coverage requirements, and certifications in robotic surgery. For those looking to enhance their earning potential, pursuing advanced certifications like the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or obtaining training in high-demand specialties can be advantageous. Networking with local agencies, staying current with technology, and seeking positions at top-tier facilities may also yield higher surgical technologist pay in Milwaukee, WI.
More salary data for Milwaukee, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $74,830 for surgical technologistsin the Milwaukee metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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