Moorhead vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Moorhead, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Moorhead, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,550 | $82,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.03 | $39.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,285 | $63,324▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,428 | $82,117▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,748 | $100,457▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,616 | $100,457▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Moorhead.
The salary gap between Moorhead and Rochester is $17,736 (27.48%). Rochester's median is +20.76% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Moorhead spans $47,331,Rochester spans $37,133. Moorhead 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, Rochester ($90,602 effective) pays 38.25% more than Moorhead ($65,533 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Moorhead if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,286/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,457)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓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 Moorhead grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Moorhead, MN
$60,628 (2024) → $61,243 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$58,670 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Moorhead, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Moorhead or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Moorhead and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Moorhead to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Moorhead 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