Surgical Technologist in Minnesota: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Minnesota employs 1,770 surgical technologists, with a statewide median of $80,210 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Minnesota licensing picture, and where to train.
What Surgical technologists Earn in Minnesota (May 2025)
- Minnesota median pay
- $80,210 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $62,820
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $86,420
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $98,470
- Employed in Minnesota
- 1,770
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,830 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for surgical technologists in major Minnesota markets:
- Minneapolis
- $82,000 (1,080 employed)
- Rochester
- $78,070 (170 employed)
- Duluth
- $72,360 (110 employed)
- St. Cloud
- $69,270 (90 employed)
- Fargo
- $62,360 (170 employed)
- Sioux Falls
- $53,850 (310 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Minnesota
Prices in Minnesota run about 1% below the national average (cost-of-living index 98.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $80,210 median stretches to roughly $81,349 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Minnesota (2024–2034)
Minnesota is projected to grow surgical technologists employment +7.3%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Minnesota License and Certification Requirements
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) — regulated by the No Minnesota state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard.
- Minnesota does not license or register surgical technologists.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program (~1–2 years).
- Earn the NBSTSA Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential — the hiring standard.
Official requirements: No Minnesota state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard →
Training in Minnesota
Confirm a program's CAAHEP accreditation and CST pass rate before enrolling; large Twin Cities hospital systems hire steadily.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Minnesota include:
- Anoka Technical College — Certificate / Associate
- Central Lakes College-Brainerd — Certificate
- Century College — Certificate / Associate
- Concordia University-Saint Paul — Associate
Where Surgical technologists Work in Minnesota
Real Minnesota surgery centers that employ surgical technologists include:
- Tria Orthopedic Center — Bloomington
- Allina Health Surgery Center Brooklyn Park LLC — Brooklyn Park
- Nura Surgical Center — Edina
- Mngi Endoscopy Asc, Inc — Lakeville
- Mngi Endoscopy Maple Grove — Maple Grove
- Mngi Endoscopy Vadnais Heights — Vadnais Heights
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: Focused people who like structured clinical environments and precise routines.
Think twice if: Blood, surgery, standing for long cases, or high-pressure teams are dealbreakers.
Why it's resilient: Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
First Steps
Look for accredited surgical technology programs and clinical placement details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do surgical technologists make in Minnesota?
The median wage for surgical technologists in Minnesota is $80,210 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $62,820, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,470. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Surgical Technologist in Minnesota?
No state license; Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), overseen by the No Minnesota state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard. Minnesota does not license or register surgical technologists.
Is being a Surgical Technologist a good career in Minnesota?
Operating room support is in-person, procedural, sterile, team-based, and high accountability.
Which Minnesota metros pay surgical technologists the most?
Among Minnesota metro areas, Minneapolis leads at $82,000, followed by Rochester ($78,070), Duluth ($72,360). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Surgical Technologist in Minnesota?
Real Minnesota options include Anoka Technical College, Central Lakes College-Brainerd, Century College. Most surgical technologists start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Surgical Technologist a growing career in Minnesota?
Minnesota projects surgical technologists employment to change +7.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Minnesota statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2055. Licensing summary compiled from the No Minnesota state license — NBSTSA certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Minnesota wages · Minnesota licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.