Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Bloomington, MN: $126,287 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Bloomington, MN — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $126,287/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Bloomington's price premium (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $128,210 in average-cost America. The 49% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bloomington, the compensation for seasoned surgical technologists is compelling, with a median annual salary projected at $84,897 for 2026. The earning potential escalates significantly at the higher end of the pay scale, where top earners can command an impressive $126,287. This stark contrast between the median and the upper echelons of the salary range reveals the substantial experience premium available to those adept in advanced procedures and technologies. Achieving such high compensation typically requires over seven years of experience, specialized training, and often certifications in cutting-edge fields like robotic surgery. As the market for surgical technologists grows, Bloomington’s salaries reflect an encouraging trend, particularly for professionals who pivot towards high-demand surgical specialties.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Bloomington earn between $104,689 and $126,287 per year (2026 est.). This $64,748 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Bloomington median of $84,897 sits 24.59% above the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Bloomington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $84,897 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,689 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $126,287 | $102,175 |
In Bloomington, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 48.75% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Bloomington
Advanced Certifications in Minnesota
MN surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $84,897 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Bloomington employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Bloomington command premium compensation, often reaching the $104,689–$126,287 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Bloomington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced surgical technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured surgical technologists in Bloomington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Surgical Technologists in Minnesota who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Surgical Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Bloomington
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBloomington ranks #2 of 44 Minnesota cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $126,287).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Bloomington ($126,287) is 23.77% above the Minnesota average P90 ($102,034).
2019 BLS Actual
$88,250
2025 BLS Actual
$119,817
2026 Current Est.
$126,287
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,861 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,099 | Actual |
| 2023 | $102,773 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,766 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,817 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $126,287 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,107 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Bloomington saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $88,250 in 2019 to $119,817 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.40% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $133,107 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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.
Maximizing Your Surgical Technologist Earnings in Bloomington
Specializations play a crucial role in determining salary disparities for senior surgical technologists in Bloomington, where areas like cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery command the most significant pay premiums. High-competency locales such as hospital operating rooms compared to ambulatory surgery centers often see differing pay scales, with specialty surgical centers offering attractive compensation for niche roles. Moreover, roles in military or VA surgical units, and travel surgical tech positions can yield unique financial incentives. Advancement remains plausible for dedicated professionals seeking leadership opportunities, with potential career paths including lead surgical technologist, OR supervisor, or even surgical first assistant after obtaining appropriate certifications like CSFA. Holding credentials such as CST can substantially enhance earning potential in Minnesota, in conjunction with advanced qualifications obtained from CAAHEP-accredited programs, a requirement that has emerged since 2021. Additionally, non-salary drivers such as specific certifications in robotics or varied on-call coverage can provide further financial benefits for these skilled professionals.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Bloomington in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Bloomington?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Bloomington?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Bloomington?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Bloomington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $119,817 for surgical technologists in the Bloomington metro area. A 5.40% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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