How Much Does a Surgical Tech Make in Minnesota in 2026?

A typical Surgical Tech in Minnesota earns about $38.56 per hour ($80,210 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Calculated from the annual figure, that comes to roughly $6,684 a month or $1,542 a week. These figures cover the typical worker in the state, not entry-level or top earners.

Minnesota's typical pay runs 24% above the national figure of $64,650 a year, placing the state 6th out of 51 for Surgical Tech pay. Around 1,770 Surgical Techs work across Minnesota. That combination of high typical pay and a sizable workforce puts the state among the better-paying options in the country for this occupation.

Entry-level positions in Minnesota typically offer around $30.20 an hour ($62,820 a year) for Surgical Techs just starting out. Pay tends to rise from there as techs gain experience and certifications. Within a few years, many reach the typical pay level of $38.56 an hour. Early pay still sits well above what many other occupations offer newcomers.

Experienced Surgical Techs in Minnesota often earn upwards of $47.34 an hour ($98,470 a year) at the top of the range. That's a spread of $35,650 between entry-level and top-10% pay. Setting, years on the job, and city all factor into where an individual lands within that range. Surgical Techs working in larger metro hospitals or specialized surgical units tend to land closer to the top.

In 2015, a typical Surgical Tech in Minnesota earned $50,700 a year. By 2025, that figure had climbed to $80,210, a gain of $29,510 over the decade. That works out to a 58% rise in typical pay over ten years.

Minnesota's decade rise outpaced the national figure, which climbed 46% over the same period. Pay for Surgical Techs in the state has moved up steadily year over year, with no single year showing a large drop. For someone starting out now, recent history shows pay in this field has trended upward, though future gains are not guaranteed.

Pay runs highest in the Minneapolis metro area, where Surgical Techs typically earn $82,000 a year, about 2% above the state figure. Rochester follows at $78,070 a year, and Duluth comes in at $72,360. These figures reflect each city's full metro area, not just the city center.

St. Cloud pays the least among Minnesota's major metro areas, with Surgical Techs there earning $69,270 a year, a spread of $12,730 between the highest- and lowest-paying cities. Minneapolis also has the largest Surgical Tech workforce in the state, with about 1,080 working in that metro area. Higher pay in cities like Minneapolis usually tracks a higher cost of living, so the gap doesn't necessarily mean more money left over each month.

Minnesota pays more than all four of its neighbors. Wisconsin comes closest, with Surgical Techs there typically earning $74,120 a year, about 8% less than Minnesota. The gap widens further out: South Dakota and Iowa pay around $59,870 and $60,540 a year, roughly 25% less than Minnesota, and North Dakota isn't far behind at $61,640. Licensure requirements for Surgical Techs can often be transferred or endorsed between neighboring states, which can make crossing state lines for work a practical option.

Surgical Techs in Minnesota typically earn $80,210 a year ($38.56 an hour), up 58% over the past decade. Pay runs highest in Minneapolis and lowest in St. Cloud, with entry-level positions starting lower and rising with experience. For exact requirements, check Minnesota's surgical technologist licensing or registry page, and see the city-level pages for local pay figures before deciding where to look for work.