Entry-Level Surgical Technologist Salary in Fargo, ND: $55,472 (2026)
Quick Answer:New surgical technologists entering the Fargo, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $55,472 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2055, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Fargo's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,045 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($65,727) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
New graduates entering the surgical technologist field in Fargo, ND, can expect a starting salary in the range of $55,472 based on 2026 estimates from 2025 BLS data. This initial pay represents a notable difference from the city's median salary of $65,727. Over their first three to five years, entry-level technologists have the potential for salary growth, reaching up towards the $63,851 mark at the 25th percentile, creating an upward trajectory that reflects the demand for this essential role in healthcare. With a projected 5.40% annual growth rate in the sector and a cost of living index below the national average, Fargo offers a solid market for new graduates, setting a promising stage for those just embarking on their careers.
Career Earnings Timeline in Fargo
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 Fargo
Entry-level surgical technologists in Fargo, ND typically start between $55,472 and $63,851 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $19,741 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $65,727 — 3.54% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average surgical services program cost in North Dakota of $8,000 represents just 14.42% of the starting surgical technologist pay ($55,472/year) in Fargo. 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 Fargo
- 1Research the Fargo market: entry-level surgical technologist pay ranges from $55,472 to $63,851, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Fargo, 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 Fargo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Fargo's below-average 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 Fargo is $19,741 ( 35.59%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $55,472, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,213.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,990
2025 BLS Actual
$52,630
2026 Current Est.
$55,472
2019–2027 Growth
+72.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,990 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,050 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,220 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,950 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,870 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,620 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,630 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,472 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,468 | Projected |
Entry-level surgical technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Fargo, ND grew 54.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,990 in 2019 to $52,630 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $58,468. New graduates entering the Fargo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fargo 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 Fargo
In Fargo, several key employers typically hire fresh graduates in this profession. Most new surgical technologists find positions in hospital operating rooms, which often provide a comprehensive general specialty rotation. Ambulatory surgery centers, notable for their no-call lifestyle, also represent viable options for starting roles. However, specialty surgical centers that focus on areas such as orthopedics or ophthalmology generally seek experienced professionals. To increase starting pay, graduates should aim for a diploma or associate's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and obtain CST certification through the NBSTSA. Continued education, such as robotic surgery certification, can significantly boost earnings potential. With realistic pay growth observed during the first years, strategic positioning through credentialing and targeted job applications can make all the difference for new grad surgical technologists in North Dakota.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
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 Fargo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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