Duluth vs Lakeville: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Duluth, MN and Lakeville, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Lakeville, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,267▲ | $65,946 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.67▲ | $31.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,905▲ | $48,874 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,828▲ | $56,853 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,549▲ | $79,611 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,346 | $101,843▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeville.
The salary gap between Duluth and Lakeville is $10,321 (15.65%). Duluth's median is +11.93% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $23,441,Lakeville spans $52,969. Lakeville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($85,917 effective) pays 28.33% more than Lakeville ($66,950 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,267/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,917)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,843)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Duluth grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in Lakeville over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$57,360 (2019) → $72,360 (2025)
Lakeville, MN
$61,938 (2024) → $62,567 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Lakeville, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Duluth or Lakeville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Lakeville?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Lakeville as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Duluth vs Lakeville?
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