Rochester vs St. Louis Park: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Louis Park, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Louis Park, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,286▲ | $64,644 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.57▲ | $31.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,324▲ | $47,565 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,117▲ | $55,187 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,457▲ | $79,298 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $100,457▲ | $94,810 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Louis Park.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Louis Park is $17,642 (27.29%). 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 Rochester spans $37,133,St. Louis Park spans $47,245. St. Louis Park 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 38.05% more than St. Louis Park ($65,628 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose St. Louis Park if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Rochester grew 33.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in St. Louis Park over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$58,670 (2019) → $78,070 (2025)
St. Louis Park, MN
$60,716 (2024) → $61,332 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Louis Park, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Rochester or St. Louis Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Louis Park?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Louis Park as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Rochester vs St. Louis Park?
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