Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Andover, MN: $49,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Andover, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,598 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Andover's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,353 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,681) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Beginning a career as a surgical technologist in Andover, Minnesota, comes with a starting salary projected at $49,598 in 2026. For new graduates, it's crucial to understand what this entry-level pay means in context with the median annual salary of $64,681 for the region. Although the initial earnings are below the median, there's a clear growth trajectory. Aspiring surgical technologists can expect their pay to improve significantly, moving towards $56,700 at the 25th percentile as they gain experience and skills. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.40%, Andover currently represents a favorable job market for those entering the field, providing viable opportunities for salary increases in the first few years.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Andover
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Entry-level surgical technologists in Andover, MN typically start between $49,598 and $56,700 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,337 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,681 — 5.08% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Minnesota of $14,000 represents just 28.23% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($49,598/year) in Andover. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Andover
- 1Research the Andover market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $49,598 to $56,700, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Andover, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Andover for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Andover's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Andover is $45,337 ( 91.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,598, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,935.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,233
2025 BLS Actual
$47,057
2026 Current Est.
$49,598
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,233 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,950 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,828 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,805 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,232 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,057 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,276 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Andover, MN grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,233 in 2019 to $47,057 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,276. New graduates entering the Andover job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Andover
In Andover, hospitals and outpatient surgical centers are the primary employers for emerging surgical technologists. Many local hospital operating rooms actively recruit new graduates, offering a general specialty rotation as a gateway to various surgical procedures. Ambulatory surgery centers might appeal to those seeking a no-call lifestyle, though they may have fewer entry-level positions. However, it’s essential for new graduates to earn credentials such as the CST from the NBSTSA, which are increasingly a federal hiring standard established in 2021. Continuing education, including certifications in specialized areas like robotic surgery or the optional CSFA credential, can enhance starting pay. In this specific market, it is realistic for first-year surgical technologists to envision salary growth that aligns with their increasing responsibilities and competencies, tapping into higher-paying specialties such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery as they gain experience.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Andover in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Andover?
Is surgical services school worth it in Andover?
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How do I become a surgical technologist in Minnesota?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Andover. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov