Bloomington vs St. Cloud: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Bloomington, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,897▲ | $73,011 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.81▲ | $35.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,539▲ | $56,884 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,298▲ | $61,459 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,689▲ | $74,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,287▲ | $86,460 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Cloud.
The salary gap between Bloomington and St. Cloud is $11,886 (16.28%). 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,St. Cloud spans $29,576. 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, Bloomington ($86,190 effective) pays 3.45% more than St. Cloud ($83,315 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,190)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓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 16.1% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$61,304 (2024) → $80,547 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$59,640 (2019) → $69,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bloomington or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to St. Cloud as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bloomington vs St. Cloud?
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