Surgical Technologist Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $66,243 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Cottage Grove, MN earns a median $66,243/year (≈ $31.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Cottage Grove's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $67,252 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, surgical technologists in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $66,243, which reflects a slight difference when compared to the national median of $68,141. The full salary range for this occupation locally spans from $47,955 at the 10th percentile to $93,886 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, highlight the earning potential in Cottage Grove after factoring in local dynamics. The demand for skilled surgical technologists remains steady, particularly for those specializing in cardiovascular and neurosurgery, where compensation premiums are prevalent, making this a lucrative path for those considering positions in these specialized fields.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,955 | $23.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,971 | $26.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,243 | $31.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,268 | $38.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,886 | $45.14 |
Median Salary Position
2.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottage Grove
In Cottage Grove, MN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,931 (2026 est.). At $66,243, the local median is 2.79% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cottage Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cottage Grove Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Cottage Grove median: $66,243/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cottage Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $67,115 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -2.79% less |
Surgical Technologists in Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $66,243 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.79% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $67,115.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cottage Grove has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cottage Grove, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $66,243 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,252 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,954
2025 BLS Actual
$62,849
2026 Current Est.
$66,243
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,954 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,178 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,401 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,922 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,218 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,243 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,820 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cottage Grove metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.9% from $46,954 (2019) to $62,849 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,820 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,866 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottage Grove 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,955 – $55,971 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,971 – $66,243 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,243 – $79,268 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,268 – $93,886 |
Surg Tech, CST salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual surgical technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Surgical Technologist Job Market in Cottage Grove
With only eight surgical technologists currently employed in Cottage Grove, the local job market is somewhat limited, but the competition can foster opportunities depending on qualifications. The cost of living index in the area stands at 98.5, indicating that living expenses are slightly below the national average, which positively influences take-home pay and purchasing power for surgical tech professionals. Employers such as hospital operating rooms or specialty surgical centers, particularly in the orthopedic and ophthalmology fields, tend to offer competitive wages. Variability in salaries can also stem from distinctions like call coverage, specialized certifications in robotic surgery, and the role of first assistants in surgical settings. For those in the Cottage Grove job market, acquiring additional certifications like the CSFA or engaging in travel surgical tech opportunities might be effective strategies to elevate earning potential in this diverse field.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,849 for surgical technologistsin the Cottage Grove metropolitan area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cottage Grove 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