Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Caledonia, WI: $109,485 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Caledonia, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $109,485/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Caledonia's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $117,222 in average-cost America. The 48% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Caledonia, the potential for experienced surgical technologists to achieve a top-tier salary is notable, with projected figures for 2026 suggesting a peak annual compensation of $109,485 at the 90th percentile. This sharply contrasts with the median annual salary of $74,054, highlighting a significant premium for the most seasoned professionals in the field. The capacity to reach these higher salaries often hinges on several factors, including years of experience, specialized training, and the ability to adapt to emerging technologies within surgical environments. With the growing demand for skilled technicians in advanced surgical settings, it's vital for technologists in Caledonia to align their careers toward in-demand specialties and pursue opportunities that enable professional growth.
About the Caledonia Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Caledonia
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Caledonia earn between $91,373 and $109,485 per year (2026 est.). This $58,132 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Caledonia median of $74,054 sits 8.68% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Caledonia | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $74,054 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,373 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $109,485 | $102,175 |
In Caledonia, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 47.84% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Caledonia
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $74,054 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Caledonia employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Caledonia command premium compensation, often reaching the $91,373–$109,485 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Caledonia metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Caledonia with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Wisconsin who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Caledonia
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedCaledonia ranks #8 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $109,485).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Caledonia ($109,485) is 16.11% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($94,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$76,509
2025 BLS Actual
$103,876
2026 Current Est.
$109,485
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
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 | $76,509 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,341 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,373 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,181 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,099 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,765 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,876 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,485 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,398 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Caledonia saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $76,509 in 2019 to $103,876 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $115,398 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Caledonia
Senior surgical technologists in Caledonia can command competitive compensation, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where expertise translates into higher pay grades. Employers in different sectors, including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers, often have varying pay structures, with ambulatory surgery centers typically offering competitive salaries yet distinct benefits. For those aspiring to leadership roles, positions such as lead surgical tech or OR supervisor present avenues for increased earning potential and career advancement. Moreover, obtaining advanced certifications, such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), can further enhance pay prospects, particularly when combined with high-demand certifications in robotic surgery. Non-salary benefits, including call coverage and specialized surgical training stipends, also play a crucial role in overall compensation at this level, making it essential for experienced professionals to seek opportunities that not only meet financial goals but also provide comprehensive career development in Wisconsin's evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Caledonia, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Caledonia in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Caledonia?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Caledonia?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Caledonia?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Caledonia?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $103,876 for surgical technologists in the Caledonia metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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