Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Edina, MN: $46,504 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Edina, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,504 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edina's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,212 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,887) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the surgical technologist field in Edina, Minnesota, offers promising initial compensation for recent graduates. In 2026, entry-level positions can expect starting salaries around $46,504, which is below the overall city median salary of $64,887. However, new graduates should view this gap positively, as the industry typically allows for substantial growth over the first few years of employment. With dedication and experience, it's realistic to move from entry-level earnings to approximately $54,700 after a year or so, ultimately reaching or exceeding the median within three to five years, especially given the projected growth rate of 5.40% in this sector. The current job market in Edina appears to favor new surgical technologists, making it an attractive option for those entering the profession in 2026.
About the Edina Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edina
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 Edina
Entry-level surgical technologists in Edina, MN typically start between $46,504 and $54,700 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,679 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,887 — 4.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Minnesota of $14,000 represents just 30.10% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($46,504/year) in Edina. 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 Edina
- 1Research the Edina market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $46,504 to $54,700, 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 Edina, 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 Edina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edina'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 Edina is $51,679 ( 111.13%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,504, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,183.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,097
2025 BLS Actual
$44,121
2026 Current Est.
$46,504
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Edina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,097 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,769 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,468 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,031 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,361 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,121 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,504 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,015 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Edina, MN grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,097 in 2019 to $44,121 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,015. New graduates entering the Edina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina 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 Edina
Employers in Edina predominantly hiring new surgical technologists are typically found in hospital operating rooms, which favor candidates with a general specialty rotation from recent CAAHEP-accredited programs. Ambulatory surgical centers also present excellent opportunities, especially for graduates looking for lifestyle advantages such as no-call schedules. To enhance starting pay in MN, securing a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through NBSTSA is crucial, as is maintaining state registration where applicable. For those eager to advance their careers swiftly, gaining credentials in specialized areas like robotic surgery or pursuing the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) designation can significantly impact salary potential and job prospects. Overall, a realistic career strategy includes focusing on achieving the CST credential first and targeting in-demand specialties, such as cardiovascular and neurosurgery, which command higher pay in the entry-level phase.
More salary data for Edina, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Edina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edina 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