Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Bloomington, MN: $61,539 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Bloomington, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,539 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bloomington's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $62,476 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($84,897) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Bloomington, Minnesota, can expect an entry level surgical technologist salary Bloomington around $61,539 in 2026. While this figure falls short of the city’s median salary of $84,897, it still provides a solid starting point for early-career professionals. With time, the potential growth trajectory is promising; new graduates can look forward to reaching $70,298 within their first few years as they gain experience and skills. Given the region's current healthcare demand, Bloomington offers a favorable market for recent graduates looking to make their mark in surgical technology.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bloomington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Entry-level surgical technologists in Bloomington, MN typically start between $61,539 and $70,298 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,748 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $84,897 — 24.59% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Minnesota of $14,000 represents just 22.75% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($61,539/year) in Bloomington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP/ARC-STSA-accredited surgical technology program data and community college tuition reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private vocational) and program length.
Surg Tech, CST Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bloomington
- 1Research the Bloomington market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $61,539 to $70,298, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the surgical services field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bloomington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bloomington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bloomington's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Surgical Technologist Compensation Range
The surgical technologist wage spread in Bloomington is $64,748 ( 105.21%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,539, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,287.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,474
2025 BLS Actual
$58,386
2026 Current Est.
$61,539
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,474 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,364 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,935 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,388 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $43,114 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,386 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,539 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,862 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Bloomington, MN grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $42,474 in 2019 to $58,386 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,862. New graduates entering the Bloomington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.40% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your surgical services Career in Bloomington
Employers in Bloomington predominantly seek new graduate surgical technologists within hospitals' operating rooms, as these facilities typically offer the most robust training for those with general specialty rotations. Ambulatory surgery centers are another target, providing a no-call lifestyle that can appeal to entry-level professionals, although these centers may not have as much room for rapid advancement. To maximize starting pay in MN, candidates should focus on obtaining credentials like a diploma or associate's degree from CAAHEP-accredited programs, along with CST certification from NBSTSA, given that these have become the federal hiring standards since 2021. Specialty roles, particularly in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, tend to yield higher salaries, and acquiring robotic surgery certification can enhance competitiveness in this evolving field. Realistic salary growth in the initial years may see techs moving from their starting positions into more specialized or higher-paying avenues, especially as they build their skills and credentials.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Bloomington in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Bloomington?
Is surgical services school worth it in Bloomington?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Bloomington?
How do I become a surgical technologist in Minnesota?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new surgical services graduates. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bloomington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.40%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for surgical technologists (SOC 29-2055).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov