Minneapolis vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,428▲ | $82,286 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.56▲ | $39.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,657▲ | $63,324 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,865▲ | $82,117 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,847▲ | $100,457 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,882▲ | $100,457 |
| Total Employed | 1,080▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and Rochester is $4,142 (5.03%). 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 Minneapolis spans $27,225,Rochester spans $37,133. Rochester 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, Rochester ($90,602 effective) pays 9.88% more than Minneapolis ($82,452 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,428/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,882)
- ✓Larger job market (1,080 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓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 Minneapolis grew 32.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$61,790 (2019) → $82,000 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$58,670 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Minneapolis or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Minneapolis vs Rochester?
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