Senior Surgical Technologist Salary in Mandan, ND: $83,285 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of surgical technologists working in Mandan, ND — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $83,285/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2055. Strip back Mandan's price premium (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $90,527 in average-cost America. The 42% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, experienced surgical technologists in Mandan, ND, have the potential to earn a top surgical technologist salary of $83,285 at the 90th percentile. This figure signifies a robust opportunity for seasoned professionals, especially when contrasted against the median annual salary of $58,592 for all surgical technologists in the area. Achieving this level of compensation requires not only extensive experience—typically over seven years—but also proficiency in high-demand specialties, strong references, and possibly further certifications, such as those in robotic surgery or surgical first assisting. The premium pay available to top earners creates a significant incentive for ongoing professional development, ensuring that the highest achievers in Mandan can capitalize on their expertise and skillset.
About the Mandan Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mandan
Experienced surgical technologists at the top of the pay scale in Mandan earn between $70,934 and $83,285 per year (2026 est.). This $36,843 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Mandan median of $58,592 sits 14.01% below the US median.
Top Surg Tech, CST Salary Comparison
| Level | Mandan | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $58,592 | $68,141 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,934 | $84,057 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $83,285 | $102,175 |
In Mandan, experienced surgical technologists (P90) earn 42.14% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Surgical Technologist Pay in Mandan
Advanced Certifications in North Dakota
ND surgical technologists with additional specialty certifications within the surgical services field earn significantly above the $58,592 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Mandan employers.
Specialty Focus
Surgical Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the surgical services field in Mandan command premium compensation, often reaching the $70,934–$83,285 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Mandan 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 Mandan 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 North Dakota 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 Mandan
Clinical Surgical Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Surgical Technologist
5-10 yearsSurgical Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMandan ranks #5 of 8 North Dakota cities for top earner surgical technologist salary (90th percentile: $83,285).
Top 10% surgical technologist compensation in Mandan ($83,285) is 9.43% above the North Dakota average P90 ($76,109).
2019 BLS Actual
$58,200
2025 BLS Actual
$79,018
2026 Current Est.
$83,285
2019–2027 Growth
+50.8%
Salary Trajectory for Surgical Technologists in Mandan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.40% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,777 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,269 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,285 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,782 | Projected |
Top-earning surgical technologists (90th percentile) in Mandan saw their compensation grow 35.8% from $58,200 in 2019 to $79,018 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 $87,782 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mandan 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 Mandan
To attain senior surgical technologist pay in ND and position themselves effectively within the job market, professionals should concentrate their training and skills in high-demand sectors such as cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, and robotic surgery. These specialties often command higher wages due to their complexity and the advanced training required. Compensation also varies depending on the employer; for instance, surgical technologists employed in specialty surgical centers or military surgical units may see different pay scales compared to those in traditional hospital operating rooms. Continuous professional advancement can lead to roles such as lead surgical technologist or OR supervisor, while obtaining credentials like the certified surgical technologist (CST) can further enhance earning potential. Mandan's unique market dynamics present a valuable environment for surgical technologists to grow both in salary and professional stature, especially as the demand for specialized skills continues to rise.
More salary data for Mandan, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced surgical technologists make in Mandan in 2026?
What drives higher surgical technologist pay in Mandan?
What certifications boost surgical technologist salary in Mandan?
Can experienced surgical technologists make six figures in Mandan?
How much does surgical technologist salary increase over time in Mandan?
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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 $79,018 for surgical technologists in the Mandan 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 Mandan 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