Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Cottage Grove, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cottage Grove, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,243 | $86,428▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.85 | $41.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,955 | $76,657▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,971 | $82,865▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,268 | $100,847▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,886 | $103,882▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 1,080▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cottage Grove.
The salary gap between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis is $20,185 (30.47%). Minneapolis's median is +26.84% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cottage Grove spans $45,931,Minneapolis spans $27,225. Cottage Grove 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, Minneapolis ($82,452 effective) pays 22.60% more than Cottage Grove ($67,252 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cottage Grove if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,428/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,882)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,452)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Cottage Grove grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.7% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Cottage Grove, MN
$62,218 (2024) → $62,849 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$61,790 (2019) → $82,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cottage Grove, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Cottage Grove or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cottage Grove and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Cottage Grove vs Minneapolis?
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