Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Faribault, MN: $46,008 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,008 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,709 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,402) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Faribault, Minnesota, can expect a starting salary around $46,008. This figure represents the 10th percentile, indicating that many fresh graduates may find themselves earning below the city's median annual salary of $63,402. However, there is potential for growth within the first few years, with salaries typically rising to approximately $53,434 by the 25th percentile. The upward trajectory continues as new professionals gain experience, bridging the gap toward the median and reflecting the overall strong demand for surgical technologists in the area. Given the projected employment growth rate of 5.40%, Faribault provides a favorable job market for those looking to start their careers in surgical technology.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level surgical technologists in Faribault, MN typically start between $46,008 and $53,434 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,383 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,402 — 6.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Minnesota of $14,000 represents just 30.43% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,008/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,008 to $53,434, 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 Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault'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 Faribault is $45,383 ( 98.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,008, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,391.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$31,755
2025 BLS Actual
$43,651
2026 Current Est.
$46,008
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31,755 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,090 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,924 | Actual |
| 2023 | $38,615 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,844 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,651 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,008 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,493 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $31,755 in 2019 to $43,651 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,493. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
Looking deeper into the job landscape, hospitals in Faribault are the primary employers for new surgical technologist graduates, often seeking those with a general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers also provide opportunities that allow for a no-call schedule, making them appealing for recent graduates. Nonetheless, specialized surgical centers, like those focusing on orthopedic or ophthalmic procedures, tend to hire more experienced surgical technologists. To maximize starting salaries in Minnesota, newly certified techs should focus on obtaining their CST credential through NBSTSA and consider additional training and certifications, such as robotic surgery or becoming a surgical first assistant (CSFA). As entry-level professionals navigate their first few years, they should expect gradual salary increases as they build their skills and credentials in this competitive field. This approach will ultimately enhance their career prospects and income potential in the long term.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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