Surgical Technologist Salary in Mankato, MN: $64,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time surgical technologist in Mankato, MN earns a median $64,534/year (≈ $31.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2055). Once you factor in Mankato's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $65,517 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Surgical technologists in Mankato earn a median annual salary of $64,534, which falls short of the national median of $68,141. This compensation is reflective of the region's healthcare framework, where professionals typically work in hospital operating rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, and specialty surgical facilities. The salary range for surgical technologists in the area spans from $49,247 at the 10th percentile to $96,723 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied earning potential based on experience, specialty, and type of employer. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and accounting for regional cost adjustments, provide a clearer picture of what to expect in this market. Mankato’s job market for surgical technologists is characterized by a competitive landscape that may favor those with advanced credentials and specific expertise.
About the Mankato Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,247 | $23.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,395 | $27.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,534 | $31.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,613 | $36.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,723 | $46.50 |
Median Salary Position
5.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mankato
In Mankato, MN, the surgical technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,476 (2026 est.). At $64,534, the local median is 5.29% below the national median of $68,141.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mankato: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mankato Surgical Technologist Pay Compares
Mankato median: $64,534/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mankato Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $67,153 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $68,141 | -5.29% less |
Surgical Technologists in Mankato, MN earn a median of $64,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% lower than the national median of $68,141 and 3.90% below the Minnesota state average of $67,153.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mankato 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.
Mankato, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A surgical technologist earning $64,534 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,517 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,130
2025 BLS Actual
$61,228
2026 Current Est.
$64,534
2019–2027 Growth
+15.0%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,490 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,540 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,990 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,613 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,228 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,019 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mankato metropolitan area, the median surgical technologist salary grew 3.5% from $59,130 (2019) to $61,228 (2025). At a 5.40% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,019 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,889 (15.03%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mankato 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) | $49,247 – $56,395 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,395 – $64,534 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,534 – $76,613 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,613 – $96,723 |
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 Mankato
In Mankato, the local job market employs around eight surgical technologists, a relatively modest number reflecting both the size of the healthcare sector and the demand in the region. With a cost of living index of 98.5, salaries can translate into relatively favorable take-home purchasing power, enabling residents to enjoy a quality lifestyle. Among employers, hospitals tend to offer the most competitive pay compared to ambulatory surgery centers and specialty surgical centers focused on fields like orthopedic and cardiovascular surgery. The variation in pay often stems from factors such as certification in robotic surgery, specialization areas, and potential premiums for roles involving surgical first assisting or on-call responsibilities. For those aiming to maximize their surgical technologist pay in Mankato, acquiring credentials such as the CST and seeking roles in high-demand specialties or travel positions can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Mankato, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can surgical technologists make $100K in Mankato?
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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 $61,228 for surgical technologistsin the Mankato 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 Mankato 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