Surgical Technologist in Minnesota

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MN. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$77,950

trending_up +24.1% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Minnesota.

engineering

1,640

Jobs (MN)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$190

Licensing fees

schedule

12-24 months for education program, plus exam time

Time to complete

route How to become a surgical technologist in Minnesota

To become a Surgical Technologist in Minnesota, individuals are not required to hold a state license. However, most employers mandate national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Candidates must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program or complete military surgical-technician training to be eligible for the CST exam. The CST certification is renewed every four years, requiring 60 continuing education credits or re-examination.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $62,810

25th percentile $69,440

50th (median) $77,950

75th percentile $83,390

90th (experienced) $94,520

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Minnesota. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Minnesota requirements

Licensing body	National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
State license	Not required
Education	Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program, or completion of military surgical-technician training program.
Experience	300.0 hours
Exam	CST Exam ($190)
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	60.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minnesota does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). The CST exam has 175 questions (150 scored) and requires 98 correct answers to pass. Renewal can also be done by re-examination. Some programs require a background study.

Source: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.5%

Faster than average

Annual openings

7,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

115,600

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.48/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a surgical technologist career is the right fit?

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Frequently asked questions

How do you get certified as a surgical technologist in Minnesota? expand_more

Minnesota requires surgical technologists to complete the required education (Graduation from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited surgical technology program, or completion of military surgical-technician training program.), gain 300.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the CST Exam.

Can I work as a surgical technologist in Minnesota without a license? expand_more

Minnesota does not require a state license for surgical technologists. Note: Minnesota does not have state-level licensing or registration requirements for Surgical Technologists. However, most employers require national certification from the NBSTSA (CST). The CST exam has 175 questions (150 scored) and requires 98 correct answers to pass. Renewal can also be done by re-examination. Some programs require a background study.

How much do surgical technologists make in Minnesota? expand_more

surgical technologists in Minnesota earn a median of $77,950 annually. That's 24% above the national median of $62,830. New surgical technologists start around $62,810; seasoned professionals can reach $94,520.

What's the total cost to get surgical technologist certified in Minnesota? expand_more

Between exam fee ($190), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How quickly can I become a surgical technologist in Minnesota? expand_more

The typical timeline in Minnesota is 12-24 months for education program, plus exam time. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

How many CE hours do surgical technologists need in Minnesota? expand_more

Yes — surgical technologists in Minnesota must complete 60.0 CE hours every 4.0 years to stay licensed.