Surgical Technologist in Wisconsin

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$65,870

trending_up +4.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

2,770

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$190

Licensing fees

schedule

9-24 months for education program; certification exam is 4 hours

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Wisconsin

To become a Surgical Technologist in Wisconsin, individuals are not required to hold a state license, but national certification is widely expected by employers. The primary certification is the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential, administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Eligibility for the CST exam requires graduation from a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program. The exam costs $190 for AST members and $290 for non-members, and certification must be renewed every two years with 30 continuing education credits.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $52,850

25th percentile $59,870

50th (median) $65,870

75th percentile $75,400

90th (experienced) $81,730

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Wisconsin. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification; Wisconsin does not have a state licensing body.
State license	Not required
Education	Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.
Exam	Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam ($190)
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	30.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Wisconsin does not currently have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). A bill (SB 260) has been introduced in the Wisconsin legislature that would establish certification requirements for surgical technologists, effective January 1, 2028. This bill would require individuals to complete an accredited educational program and maintain certification from a national body, or have military training, or have been employed as a surgical technologist before December 31, 2027. Some educational programs require a background check and drug test for admission. Minimum age is not specified, but typically tied to high school graduation for program entry.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification; Wisconsin does not have a state licensing body.

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.5%

Faster than average

Annual openings

7,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

115,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.48/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a surgical technologist career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

arrow_forward

Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a surgical technologist in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, becoming a surgical technologist requires you to complete the required education (Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited surgical technology program, or completion of a military surgical-technician training program.), and pass the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.

Can I work as a surgical technologist in Wisconsin without a license? expand_more

surgical technologists in Wisconsin are not required to hold a state license. Note: Wisconsin does not currently have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). A bill (SB 260) has been introduced in the Wisconsin legislature that would establish certification requirements for surgical technologists, effective January 1, 2028. This bill would require individuals to complete an accredited educational program and maintain certification from a national body, or have military training, or have been employed as a surgical technologist before December 31, 2027. Some educational programs require a background check and drug test for admission. Minimum age is not specified, but typically tied to high school graduation for program entry.

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Wisconsin? expand_more

The median surgical technologist salary in Wisconsin is $65,870 per year. — within a few percent of the $62,830 national figure. Wages range from $52,850 (10th percentile) up to $81,730 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a surgical technologist in Wisconsin? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($190) plus your education and training.

How quickly can I become a surgical technologist in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, becoming a surgical technologist generally takes 9-24 months for education program; certification exam is 4 hours, accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Wisconsin require continuing education for surgical technologists? expand_more

Wisconsin requires 30.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your surgical technologist license.