Surgical Technologist in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
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.
Surgical Technologist Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for certification; Wisconsin does not have a state licensing body. |
| State License Required | No |
| 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. |
Surgical Technologist Salary in Wisconsin
The median surgical technologist salary in Wisconsin is $65,870 per year, which is 4.8% above the national median of $62,830.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $52,850 |
| 25th | $59,870 |
| 50th (median) | $65,870 |
| 75th | $75,400 |
| 90th (experienced) | $81,730 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 2,770 surgical technologists.
Surgical Technologist Job Outlook
AI Impact on Surgical Technologists
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Surgical Technologist in Wisconsin Worth It?
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the lack of a state license requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.