Andover vs Duluth: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Andover, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Andover, MN | Duluth, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,681 | $76,267▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.09 | $36.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,598 | $64,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,700 | $69,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,386 | $82,549▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,935▲ | $88,346 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Andover.
The salary gap between Andover and Duluth is $11,586 (17.91%). Duluth's median is +11.93% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Andover spans $45,337,Duluth spans $23,441. Andover has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($85,917 effective) pays 30.84% more than Andover ($65,666 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Andover if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,935)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,267/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,917)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Andover grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Duluth over the same period.
Andover, MN
$60,750 (2024) → $61,367 (2025)
Duluth, MN
$57,360 (2019) → $72,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Andover, MN
Duluth, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Andover or Duluth?
What is the hourly rate difference between Andover and Duluth?
Should I relocate from Andover to Duluth as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Andover vs Duluth?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov