Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in Inver Grove Heights, MN: $31.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in Inver Grove Heights, MN runs $31.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against Inver Grove Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,475 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, the surgical technologist hourly pay stands at $31.63, slightly lower than the national median of $32.76. This hourly rate provides a solid foundation for both part-time and per-diem workers looking to navigate the diverse surgical settings, including hospital operating rooms, specialty surgical centers, and ambulatory surgery suites. For those working three days a week, this translates into a reliable earning opportunity while balancing other commitments or pursuing further training, such as robotic surgery certification. Additionally, the hourly range spans from $22.55 for entry-level positions to $47.48 for the most seasoned professionals, illustrating the potential for significant income growth within the field based on experience and specialization.
About the Inver Grove Heights Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.55 | $180.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.47 | $211.73 |
| Median (P50) | $31.63 | $253.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.60 | $300.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.48 | $379.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Inver Grove Heights
Based on $31.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.63/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Inver Grove Heights, MN can expect to earn approximately $65,792 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,957. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Inver Grove Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Inver Grove Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,265.22 | $5,483 | $65,792 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.13 | $3,290 | $39,475 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.09 | $2,193 | $26,317 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (Inver Grove Heights) | $31.63 |
| 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 Inver Grove Heights, MN earn a median of $65,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.44% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $67,138.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.63/hr = $39,475/year (purchasing power: $40,076).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,792/year (purchasing power: $66,793).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Inver Grove Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in Inver Grove Heights grew 33.9% from $22.42/hr (2019) to $30.01/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.34/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 Inver Grove Heights 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 Inver Grove Heights
Beyond typical employment structures, surgical technologists have various options impacting their overall earnings. A part-time professional who works 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $39,050 annually, highlighting the substantial difference in financial outcomes when compared to full-time positions. Per-diem surgical technologist pay in Inver Grove Heights varies considerably, with professionals able to command rates between $35 and $55 per hour, often reaching $50 to $75 for those with specialized skills in cardiovascular or neurosurgery. Travel contracts, especially in high-demand areas, can yield weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800, depending on the specialty. While many surgical techs find benefits such as health insurance valuable enough to accept slightly lower hourly rates, others may prefer higher rates without benefits for increased financial flexibility. Understanding the employment dynamics and being equipped with negotiation skills can substantially enhance a surgical technologist's earning potential in Inver Grove Heights.
More salary data for Inver Grove Heights, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for surgical technologists in Inver Grove Heights in 2026?
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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 Inver Grove Heights. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Inver Grove Heights 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