Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Maplewood, MN: $49,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Maplewood, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,568 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Maplewood's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $50,323 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,697) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Maplewood can expect a starting salary around $49,568. This figure sits noticeably below the city’s median annual salary of $64,697, revealing a gap that many entry-level professionals may need to bridge. Over the first few years, early-career surgical technologists can anticipate a gradual increase in pay, progressing from the initial compensation toward the 25th percentile at $56,733 and aiming for the median as they gain experience. With a projected growth trajectory of 5.40% annually, the Maplewood market appears favorable for new grads seeking to start their careers. The potential for salary advancement combined with a supportive healthcare environment positions Maplewood as a viable option for aspiring surgical technologists beginning their professional journeys.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Maplewood
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 Maplewood
Entry-level surgical technologists in Maplewood, MN typically start between $49,568 and $56,733 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,259 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,697 — 5.05% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in Minnesota of $14,000 represents just 28.24% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($49,568/year) in Maplewood. 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 Maplewood
- 1Research the Maplewood market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $49,568 to $56,733, 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 Maplewood, 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 Maplewood for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Maplewood'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 Maplewood is $45,259 ( 91.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,568, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,827.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,211
2025 BLS Actual
$47,028
2026 Current Est.
$49,568
2019–2027 Growth
+52.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,211 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,928 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,805 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,780 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,602 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,203 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,028 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,244 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Maplewood, MN grew 37.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,211 in 2019 to $47,028 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $52,244. New graduates entering the Maplewood job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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 Maplewood
When considering employment opportunities, various healthcare facilities in Maplewood particularly welcome recent graduates from accredited surgical technologist programs. Most entry-level positions are typically found in hospital operating rooms, which offer robust surgical rotations and hands-on experience. Ambulatory surgery centers can also be attractive for new hires, providing a schedule without the demands of on-call duty. New graduates who hold credentials such as the CST certification from NBSTSA will find themselves at a competitive advantage. Pursuing additional training or specialties, like robotic surgery certification, can significantly enhance earning potential and marketability in this field. Realistic salary growth during the first few years often correlates with experience and specialization, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiovascular or neurosurgery. By focusing on obtaining necessary certifications and continuing education, new surgical technologists in MN can strategically position themselves for advancement as they enter the workforce.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for surgical technologists in Maplewood in 2026?
How fast do surgical technologist salaries grow in Maplewood?
Is surgical services school worth it in Maplewood?
What do new surgical technologists make right out of school in Maplewood?
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 Maplewood. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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