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Surgical Technology Salary in Minnesota: Is It a Good Career?

Minnesota · 2026 BLS salary data

Surgical Technology pay in Minnesota

The median wage is $80,210/yr — 24% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Minnesotaranks #6 of 51 states by median pay.

The numbers in Minnesota

Real BLS state-level figures for Surgical Technology.

Median salary
$80,210/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$72,730 – $86,420
National median
$64,650/yr
Employed in Minnesota
1,770

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Minnesota

Salary alone can mislead — Minnesota costs 1% less than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
98.6
Nominal median
$80,210
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $81,349
State income tax
Up to 9.85%

Because Minnesota costs 1% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #1 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #6 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

FAQ

How much do surgical technology professionals make in Minnesota?

The median annual wage is $80,210 (BLS OEWS, state estimates), with the middle 50% earning between $72,730 and $86,420. That's 24% above the national median.

Is Minnesota a good state for surgical technology?

By raw pay, Minnesota ranks #6 of 51 states by median pay. Adjusted for cost of living (Minnesota costs 1% less than the U.S. average), that median is worth about $81,349. Because Minnesota costs 1% less than the U.S. average, its pay stretches further — it ranks #1 of 51 once adjusted for cost of living, up from #6 on raw salary.

Are surgical technology professionals in demand in Minnesota?

About 1,770 people work in this field in Minnesota (BLS OEWS). Nationally, BLS projects +4.5% employment growth for this field from 2024 to 2034.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Surgical Technology nationally — Minnesota pay is 24% above the national median. See the full Surgical Technology career guide →

The verdict

Yes as an affordable entry into the operating room — surgical technology offers decent pay from a short program and steady demand. Pay plateaus and the OR environment is high-pressure, so many use it as a foothold into nursing or other clinical roles.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Decent pay from a short program (1-2 years)
  • Steady, recession-resistant demand
  • Front-row role in surgery
  • Foothold toward nursing or other clinical paths
  • Clean, structured clinical setting

Cons

  • Pay plateaus fairly quickly
  • High-pressure operating-room environment
  • Long shifts, on-call, standing for hours
  • Limited advancement without more schooling
  • Exposure to intense clinical situations

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting a quick entry into surgical care
  • Those comfortable in high-stakes settings
  • Anyone using it as a step toward nursing

✗ Probably not if…

  • People wanting high pay or a steep ladder
  • Those who struggle in high-pressure environments

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Surgical Technology is worth it — titles link to the original threads.