Bloomington vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bloomington, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,897▲ | $82,286 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.81▲ | $39.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,539 | $63,324▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,298 | $82,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,689▲ | $100,457 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,287▲ | $100,457 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Rochester is $2,611 (3.17%). Bloomington's median is +24.59% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $64,748,Rochester spans $37,133. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($90,602 effective) pays 5.12% more than Bloomington ($86,190 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,897/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,287)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,602)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bloomington grew 31.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$61,304 (2024) → $80,547 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$58,670 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bloomington or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
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Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov