Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Rochester, MN: $63,324 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Rochester, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,324 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Rochester's local price level (BEA RPP 90.8 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,724 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,286) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
While considering a career as a surgical technologist in Rochester, MN, new graduates should approach the entry-level surgical technologist salary with realistic expectations. In 2026, the starting pay for entry-level positions is projected to be around $63,324, which significantly lags behind the city’s median annual salary of $82,286. However, this gap is important to recognize as it provides a clear trajectory for growth over the first few years of employment. With diligent effort and commitment, new surgical technologists can anticipate increased earnings as they progress from entry-level roles to positions that may pay closer to the city median, particularly as they gain experience and develop additional skills. Given the current demand for surgical technologists and the projected 5.40% growth rate in the field, Rochester presents a promising job market for those entering this profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Rochester
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 Rochester
Entry-level surgical technologists in Rochester, MN typically start between $63,324 and $82,117 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,133 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,286 — 20.76% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Minnesota of $14,000 represents just 22.11% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($63,324/year) in Rochester. 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 Rochester
- 1Research the Rochester market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $63,324 to $82,117, 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 Rochester, 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 Rochester for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Rochester's below-average 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 Rochester is $37,133 ( 58.64%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,324, experienced hygienists can earn up to $100,457.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$43,540
2025 BLS Actual
$60,080
2026 Current Est.
$63,324
2019–2027 Growth
+53.3%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,640 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,390 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,050 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,324 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,744 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Rochester, MN grew 38.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $43,540 in 2019 to $60,080 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $66,744. New graduates entering the Rochester job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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 Rochester
Rochester is home to a variety of employers actively hiring for entry-level surgical technologist positions, primarily in hospital operating rooms that commonly accept new graduates fresh from CAAHEP-accredited programs. For those seeking a different work-life balance, ambulatory surgery centers often provide no-call opportunities that are particularly appealing to new hires. While specialty surgical centers may prioritize experienced surgical technologists with specific skill sets, new graduates can enhance their starting pay by obtaining the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), as well as looking into continuing education options such as robotic surgery certifications. Early career strategies should include developing skills in high-demand specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where higher wages are available. With a solid foundation, new grads can realistically expect salary growth during the first few years of their careers, paving the way for sustained advancement in this evolving healthcare field.
More salary data for Rochester, 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 Rochester. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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