Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Manitowoc, WI: $106,206 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Manitowoc, WI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $106,206/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Manitowoc's price premium (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,711 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Manitowoc, Wisconsin, experienced surgical technologists can expect to earn a competitive salary, with the top earners (P90) projected to bring in $106,206 annually in 2026. This figure not only demonstrates the lucrative potential for seasoned professionals but also showcases a significant experience premium within this market, as the median annual salary stands at $73,086. The gap between these figures highlights the importance of specialized skills and certifications in climbing the pay ladder. Earning the top surgical technologist salary in Manitowoc requires not only a strong foundation in surgical technology but also advanced training and experience in high-demand specializations such as robotic surgery and trauma care.
About the Manitowoc Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manitowoc
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Manitowoc earn between $90,629 and $106,206 per year (2026 est.). This $51,069 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Manitowoc median of $73,086 sits 7.26% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Manitowoc | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $73,086 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,629 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $106,206 | $102,175 |
In Manitowoc, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 45.32% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Manitowoc
Advanced Certifications in Wisconsin
WI surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $73,086 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Manitowoc employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Manitowoc command premium compensation, often reaching the $90,629–$106,206 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedManitowoc ranks #17 of 46 Wisconsin cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $106,206).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Manitowoc ($106,206) is 12.63% above the Wisconsin average P90 ($94,295).
2019 BLS Actual
$74,217
2025 BLS Actual
$100,765
2026 Current Est.
$106,206
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Manitowoc (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,217 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,478 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,765 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,206 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,941 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Manitowoc saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $74,217 in 2019 to $100,765 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 $111,941 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc
To fully capitalize on the salary potentials in Manitowoc, senior surgical technologists should consider pursuing specializations that command higher pay, particularly in areas like cardiovascular, orthopedic, and neurosurgery. Compensation varies depending on the type of employer, where those working in specialty surgical centers or military units can often command higher wages compared to general hospital operating rooms. Advancement opportunities also abound; roles such as lead surgical tech or surgical first assistant (CSFA) can boost earning potential significantly. Additionally, holding advanced credentials like the CST certification through NBSTSA and specialized training in robotic surgery not only meets the federal hiring standards but also enhances employability in a competitive job market. Non-salary compensation, including call coverage bonuses and training stipends, further contributes to overall earnings, making the senior surgical technologist pay in WI a well-rounded financial proposition.
More salary data for Manitowoc, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Manitowoc in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Manitowoc?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Manitowoc?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Manitowoc?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Manitowoc?
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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
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 $100,765 for surgical technologists in the Manitowoc 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 Manitowoc 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