Surgical Technologist in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Wisconsin employs 2,180 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $74,120 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $74,120 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $59,410
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $79,010
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $86,670
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 2,180
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Wisconsin markets:
- Minneapolis
- $82,000 (1,080 employed)
- Madison
- $75,930 (330 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $74,830 (610 employed)
- Green Bay
- $73,120 (240 employed)
- Duluth
- $72,360 (110 employed)
- Appleton
- $67,220 (100 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $74,120 median stretches to roughly $78,767 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +7.1%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 180 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Wisconsin state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Wisconsin does not license surgical technologists.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program (~1–2 years).
- Earn the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential — the hiring standard.
Official requirements: No Wisconsin state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Wisconsin
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:
- Bellin College — Certificate
- Blackhawk Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Chippewa Valley Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Fox Valley Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Wisconsin
Real Wisconsin surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Orthopedic Surgery Center of Green Bay LLC — Green Bay
- Menomonee Falls Asc — Menomonee Falls
- Northwest Surgery Center — Milwaukee
- Niagara Health Ctr — Niagara
- Wausau Surgery Center — Wausau
- Advanced Surgical and Restorative Care, LLC — Altoona
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Focused people who like structured clinical environments and precise routines.
Think twice if: Blood, surgery, standing for long cases, or high-pressure teams are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
First Steps
Look for accredited surgical technology programs and clinical placement details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Wisconsin is $74,120 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $59,410, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $86,670. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Wisconsin?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Wisconsin state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Wisconsin does not license surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Wisconsin?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Wisconsin metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $82,000, followed by Madison ($75,930), Milwaukee ($74,830). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Surgical Technologist in Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include Bellin College, Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects surgical technologists employment to change +7.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 180 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Wisconsin state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.