Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay in St. Cloud, MN: $35.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a surgical technologist working in St. Cloud, MN runs $35.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,011 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Weighted against St. Cloud's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.6, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,803 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Surgical technologists in St. Cloud earn a median hourly rate of $35.10, which is notably higher than the national median of $32.76. This competitive hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings such as hospital main operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. For part-time workers, particularly those engaged three days a week, this can translate into a substantial income that complements their lifestyle. Entry-level surgical technologists in St. Cloud can expect to earn around $27.35 per hour, while more experienced professionals can reach up to $41.57 per hour. This range underscores the opportunities for career advancement within the profession, supported by the current BLS data projected for 2026.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.35 | $218.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.54 | $236.35 |
| Median (P50) | $35.10 | $280.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.84 | $286.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.57 | $332.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Cloud
Based on $35.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.10/hr, a surgical technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Cloud, MN can expect to earn approximately $73,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,118. With a cost-of-living index of 87.63 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Cloud.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Cloud
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,403.93 | $6,084 | $73,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.36 | $3,650 | $43,803 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.57 | $2,433 | $29,202 |
Compare Surg Tech, CST Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Surgical Technologist (St. Cloud) | $35.10 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.36 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $36.78 |
Surgical Technologists in St. Cloud, MN earn a median of $73,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.15% higher than the national median of $68,141 and 8.80% above the Minnesota state average of $67,105.
Surgical Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.10/hr = $43,803/year (purchasing power: $49,985).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,004/year (purchasing power: $83,308).
CoL index: 87.632 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in St. Cloud (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for surgical technologists in St. Cloud grew 16.1% from $28.67/hr (2019) to $33.30/hr (2025). At a 5.40% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.99/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem surgical technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the St. Cloud 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.
Working as an Hourly Surgical Technologist in St. Cloud
For those considering part-time roles in surgical technology, working 24 hours a week could yield an annual take-home income significantly different from full-time employment. This can appeal to many who prefer a balanced work-life dynamic. Per-diem surgical technologists can also find lucrative opportunities, often billing between $35 and $55 per hour across various facilities, with specialties like cardiovascular and neurosurgery allowing for rates between $50 and $75. In St. Cloud, travel surgical tech contracts may offer weekly payouts of $1,800 to $2,800, especially for high-demand specialties, reflecting the diverse earning potential in this field. Furthermore, hourly rates vary according to employer type; those in hospital operating rooms might make slightly less compared to their counterparts in specialized centers or travel assignments. Many surgical technologists weigh the benefits of higher hourly compensation against the stability of health insurance that come with full-time positions. Negotiating compensation is essential, and being informed about local market rates can help surgical technologists in St. Cloud achieve their desired pay.
More salary data for St. Cloud, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for surgical technologists in St. Cloud. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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