Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Duluth, MN: $36.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Duluth, MN runs $36.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,267 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Duluth's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,762 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologist hourly pay in Duluth, Minnesota, is projected to reach a median of $36.67 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national average hourly rate of $32.76. For surgical technologists working part-time, such as those taking shifts three days a week, this means they would earn a solid income while maintaining a balanced work-life arrangement. Per-diem roles are also lucrative, as they often offer competitive hourly pay that can vary based on experience and specialty. Entry-level surgical technologists might start at around $31.21 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can command rates up to $42.48. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates these discrepancies reflect the demand for skilled surgical technologists across various settings, including hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, specialty surgical suites, trauma operating rooms, and sterile processing departments.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.21 | $249.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.57 | $268.56 |
| Median (P50) | $36.67 | $293.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.68 | $317.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.48 | $339.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Duluth
Based on $36.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.67/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Duluth, MN can expect to earn approximately $76,271 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,002. With a cost-of-living index of 88.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Duluth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Duluth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,466.75 | $6,356 | $76,271 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $880.05 | $3,814 | $45,762 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.70 | $2,542 | $30,508 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Duluth) | $36.67 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in Duluth, MN earn a median of $76,267 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.93% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 13.60% above the Minnesota state average of $67,137.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.67/hr = $45,762/year (purchasing power: $51,553).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,271/year (purchasing power: $85,922).
CoL index: 88.768 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Duluth grew 26.1% from $27.58/hr (2019) to $34.79/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.65/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Duluth 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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in Duluth
When considering part-time work, a surgical technologist working 24 hours a week could expect an annual take-home pay of approximately $45,950, significantly less than a full-time salary but still sizable for flexible employment. The per diem market in Duluth showcases even more earning potential; surgical techs billing $35 to $55 an hour can earn more in specialized fields like cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where per diem rates reach $50 to $75. Traveling surgical tech contracts can be particularly rewarding, with weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, especially with cardiac procedures in demand. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type, with hospitals generally offering more consistent benefits but potentially lower hourly rates compared to agency roles that may not provide healthcare benefits. Those negotiating their salaries should weigh these factors carefully, keeping in mind the value of a higher hourly wage against the security of employment benefits, particularly in a growing field where credentials such as the CST are increasingly essential for hiring.
More salary data for Duluth, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in Duluth. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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