Surgical Technologist Salary in Elk River, MN: $65,759 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Elk River, MN earns a median $65,759/year (≈ $31.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $66,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, Minnesota, surgical technologists can expect a median annual salary of $65,759 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $68,141. The projected salary range spans from $50,243 at the 10th percentile to $98,630 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variations in roles and experience levels within the field. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted to account for regional price differences. Currently, the local market is bolstered by a trend toward robotic surgery certification, which can enhance a surgical technologist's earning potential, paving the way for more opportunities in advanced surgical settings.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,243 | $24.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,510 | $27.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,759 | $31.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,111 | $37.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,630 | $47.42 |
Median Salary Position
3.5% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,387 (2026 est.). At $65,759, the local median is 3.5% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Elk River median: $65,759/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $67,101 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -3.50% less |
Surgical Technologists in Elk River, MN earn a median of $65,759 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.50% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $67,101.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River 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.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $65,759 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,760 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,612
2025 BLS Actual
$62,390
2026 Current Est.
$65,759
2019–2027 Growth
+48.7%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,612 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,972 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,834 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,004 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,763 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,759 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,310 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 33.8% from $46,612 (2019) to $62,390 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,310 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,698 (48.70%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $50,243 – $57,510 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,510 – $65,759 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,759 – $78,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,111 – $98,630 |
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 Elk River
The job market for surgical technologists in Elk River consists of just four professionals, suggesting a niche but stable environment. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, residents enjoy a slightly lower expense structure than the national average, which has implications for real take-home pay. Among employers, hospital operating rooms typically offer the highest wages, followed closely by specialty surgical centers in cardiothoracic, orthopedic, and ophthalmology fields. The disparity in compensation can largely be attributed to specialty areas that demand unique skills, such as those in cardiovascular or neuro surgery, which command higher pay due to their complexity. Additionally, factors like call coverage, the premium for robotic surgery certification, and the role of a surgical first assistant can further influence compensation. For those looking to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Elk River, pursuing specialized training and certifications, particularly in high-demand areas, can provide a significant advantage in this competitive market.
More salary data for Elk River, 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 $62,390 for surgical technologistsin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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