Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Andover, MN: $94,935 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Andover, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $94,935/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Andover's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $96,381 in average-cost America. The 47% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced surgical technologists in Andover, Minnesota, have the potential to earn a median annual salary of $64,681, with those in the top 10% seeing compensation reach as high as $94,935. This disparity between the median earnings and top-tier salaries illustrates the experience premium available for advanced professionals in this field. To achieve such lucrative pay, surgical technologists must not only accrue significant experience—typically over seven years—but also pursue additional certifications and specialized training in high-demand areas of surgery. The competitive nature of the role, combined with the need for continual professional development, positions these experienced surgical technologists as critical players within the surgical teams of Andover’s healthcare institutions.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Andover earn between $79,386 and $94,935 per year (2026 est.). This $45,337 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Andover median of $64,681 sits 5.08% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Andover | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $64,681 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,386 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $94,935 | $102,175 |
In Andover, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 46.77% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Andover
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $64,681 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Andover employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Andover command premium compensation, often reaching the $79,386–$94,935 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Andover metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Andover with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Andover
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedAndover ranks #29 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $94,935).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Andover ($94,935) is 6.96% below the Minnesota average P90 ($102,034).
2019 BLS Actual
$66,341
2025 BLS Actual
$90,071
2026 Current Est.
$94,935
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,341 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,993 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,258 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,071 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,935 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,061 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Andover saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $66,341 in 2019 to $90,071 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $100,061 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Andover
In Andover, specializations in fields such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery can significantly enhance earning potential for senior surgical technologists. Those who are da Vinci certified or have experience in trauma or pediatric surgery often find themselves at the higher end of the pay spectrum. Furthermore, compensation can vary by employer type; those employed in hospital operating rooms may command different salaries compared to professionals working in ambulatory surgical centers or travel surgical tech agencies. Advancement opportunities also abound within the field, allowing experienced surgical technologists to move up to positions such as lead surgical technologist or surgical first assistant (CSFA) with additional training. Credentials such as CST certification play a crucial role in securing top salaries; ongoing education and specialized training can further distinguish an experienced surgical technologist in a competitive job market. Factors like call coverage and premium pay for specialized roles also contribute to overall compensation in the sector.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Andover in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Andover?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Andover?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Andover?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Andover?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $90,071 for surgical technologists in the Andover metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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