Surgical Technologist Salary in Austin, MN: $63,482 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Austin, MN earns a median $63,482/year (≈ $30.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Austin's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $64,449 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, surgical technologists in Austin, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,482, which is about 6.84% below the national median of $68,141. The salary range for this occupation varies greatly, spanning from $44,575 at the 10th percentile to as much as $90,910 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Those specializing in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery can expect to command higher salaries, highlighting the added value of advanced training and certification in these fields. As the job market continues to evolve in Austin, there are ample opportunities for those pursuing a career in surgical technology.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,575 | $21.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,816 | $25.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,482 | $30.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,535 | $36.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,910 | $43.71 |
Median Salary Position
6.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, MN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,335 (2026 est.). At $63,482, the local median is 6.84% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Austin Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Austin median: $63,482/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $67,106 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -6.84% less |
Surgical Technologists in Austin, MN earn a median of $63,482 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $67,106.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Austin, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $63,482 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,449 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,998
2025 BLS Actual
$60,230
2026 Current Est.
$63,482
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,998 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,311 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,212 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,134 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,466 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,625 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,482 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,910 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $44,998 (2019) to $60,230 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,910 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,912 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,575 – $52,816 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,816 – $63,482 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,482 – $76,535 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,535 – $90,910 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Austin
With only four surgical technologists currently employed in Austin, the local job market offers a unique dynamic influenced by a moderate cost-of-living index of 98.5. This figure suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively favorable for residents. Major employers in the area, including hospital operating rooms and specialty surgical centers focusing on fields such as orthopedic and cardiothoracic surgery, typically offer the most competitive wages. The notable pay variance stems from multiple factors including specialty focus, call coverage requirements, and additional certifications like the robotic surgery credential. For aspiring technologists aiming to enhance their surgical technologist pay in Austin, pursuing certifications, seeking specialty training, and considering roles that offer shift differentials or bonuses for on-call duty can significantly increase their take-home earnings.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Austin?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,230 for surgical technologistsin the Austin metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Austin 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