Faribault vs St. Cloud: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Faribault, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Faribault, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,402 | $73,011▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.48 | $35.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,008 | $56,884▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,434 | $61,459▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,543▲ | $74,528 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,391▲ | $86,460 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 90▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Faribault.
The salary gap between Faribault and St. Cloud is $9,609 (15.16%). St. Cloud's median is +7.15% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Faribault spans $45,383,St. Cloud spans $29,576. Faribault 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, St. Cloud ($83,315 effective) pays 29.44% more than Faribault ($64,368 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Faribault if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,391)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,011/year)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,315)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Faribault grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.1% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Faribault, MN
$59,549 (2024) → $60,154 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$59,640 (2019) → $69,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Faribault, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Faribault or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Faribault and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Faribault to St. Cloud as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Faribault 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