Minnesota · BLS SOC 29-2055

Surgical Technologist salary in Minnesota

Q: What is the average surgical technologist salary in Minnesota?

The median surgical technologist salary in Minnesota is $64,850 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $42,640; the top 10% earn $87,950 or more. About 1,976 people work in this role across the state.

Q: How does Minnesota surgical technologist pay compare to the national average?

Minnesota's median of $64,850 is $4,240 above the U.S. national median of $60,610. After adjusting for Minnesota's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 96.6), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $67,133.

Q: Where does Minnesota pay surgical technologists the most?

Top-paying metros in Minnesota include Minneapolis-St. Paul at $70,100. These metros consistently pay 10–25% above the state median due to higher concentration of large hospital systems and specialty employers.

Median $64,850 · Top 10% earn $87,950+ · Roughly 1,976 workers in Minnesota. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

Minnesota median: $64,850; $31.18/hr
Top 10%: $87,950; 90th percentile
Bottom 10%: $42,640; Entry-level range
Real pay: $67,133; CoL-adjusted (RPP 96.6)

Minnesota pays modestly above the U.S. median for surgical technologists — $64,850 versus the national median of $60,610. Real purchasing power is $6,523 above the U.S. average — a clean win. The state employs roughly 1,976 surgical technologists.

What drives surgical technologist pay in Minnesota

Minnesota pays above-median surgical tech wages, driven by Mayo Clinic's scale and pay leadership. Robotic and cardiothoracic surgery roles command the highest premiums in the state.

Top-paying metros in Minnesota

Minnesota-area metropolitan areas with the highest surgical technologist medians.

Minnesota metros

10 highest-paying metropolitan areas. Source: BLS OEWS metro tables, May 2024.

Rank	Metro	Median	Employed
1	Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN-WI	$70,100	1,700

Minnesota ranks #13 of 50 states

Where Minnesota sits in the national distribution for surgical technologist pay, and the closest comparable states above and below.

Rank	State	Median	vs. Minnesota
#12	Maryland	$66,670	+$1,820
#11	New Jersey	$67,880	+$3,030
#10	Connecticut	$68,490	+$3,640
#13	Minnesota (this page)	$64,850	—
#14	Colorado	$64,250	−$600
#15	Rhode Island	$63,640	−$1,210
#16	New Hampshire	$63,640	−$1,210

See all 50 states →

Find Surgical Technologist programs near you

We surface accredited programs by state — community college, online, and accelerated. Compare tuition, length, and start dates.

Compare programs

Sponsored. We may earn a commission if you enroll. Prices and availability vary by school and state.

Education path for Minnesota

The typical path is a postsecondary nondegree certificate (1–2 yr program), taking about 18 months. Tuition ranges from $5,000 (community college) to $28,000 (private accelerated). On the Minnesota median of $64,850, payback periods are typically 0.9 years or less from a starting income near minimum wage.

For full credentialing detail and the realistic career outlook, see the Surgical Technologist salary overview. To run your own numbers, use the ROI calculator with Minnesota selected.

Surgical Technologist salary in Minnesota — FAQ

What is the average surgical technologist salary in Minnesota?

The median surgical technologist salary in Minnesota is $64,850 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $42,640; the top 10% earn $87,950 or more. About 1,976 people work in this role across the state.

How does Minnesota surgical technologist pay compare to the national average?

Minnesota's median of $64,850 is $4,240 above the U.S. national median of $60,610. After adjusting for Minnesota's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 96.6), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $67,133.

Where does Minnesota pay surgical technologists the most?

Top-paying metros in Minnesota include Minneapolis-St. Paul at $70,100. These metros consistently pay 10–25% above the state median due to higher concentration of large hospital systems and specialty employers.

Is surgical technologist a good career in Minnesota?

On the data: Minnesota employs roughly 1,976 surgical technologists, with a median wage of $64,850 and the top decile clearing $87,950. The role is projected to grow +5% nationally over the next decade. Whether it's "good" for you depends on whether the work suits you and whether you're positioned for the in-state metros that pay above the median.

What's the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Minnesota?

At the Minnesota median of $64,850 annually, the equivalent hourly rate is approximately $31.18/hr. The top 10% earn around $42.28/hr, while entry-level roles typically pay $20.50/hr or slightly above.

Methodology note

Minnesota-level wage data sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 release (SOC 29-2055: Surgical Technologists), with state pay indexes from BLS area-comparison tables. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parities, 2023 release, where Minnesota's RPP is 96.6 (U.S. = 100). Last reviewed: May 2026.