Healthcare Minnesota (MN) Rank #17 of 50

Registered Nurse Salary in Minnesota

The median registered nurse salary in Minnesota is $82,032 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $81,220.

Median Salary
$82,032
vs National
+$812
State Rank
#17 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Registered Nurse Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #17 out of 50 states for registered nurse compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for registered nurse pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $82,032 per year, registered nurses in Minnesota earn $812 more than the national median of $81,220.

Minnesota's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning registered nurse salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: registered nurses at the 10th percentile earn $57,974, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $122,008 — a $64,034 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Minnesota for this role is Minneapolis, where the median reaches $88,530.

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for registered nurses across the country.

Registered Nurse Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $58,580, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,150 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,580
+$580 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,820
+$820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,150
+$1,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $57,974
25th Percentile $67,468
Median (50th) $82,032
75th Percentile $102,111
90th Percentile $122,008

Registered Nurse Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for registered nurses in Minnesota include Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Rochester, and Duluth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Minnesota

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Minnesota has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Minnesota? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Minnesota is $82,032 per year, which is 1.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $57,974 (10th percentile) to $122,008 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $82,032, a registered nurse in Minnesota earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for registered nurses? ▼
Minnesota ranks #17 out of 50 states for registered nurse pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level registered nurses earn $58,580, while senior professionals earn $116,150.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for registered nurse salary? ▼
The highest paying state for registered nurses is Hawaii at $144,572. Minnesota's median of $82,032 ranks #17 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Delaware ($83,657) and Vermont ($83,657).
What is the entry-level registered nurse salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level registered nurse in Minnesota earns approximately $58,580 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,820. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $116,150.
What city in Minnesota pays registered nurses the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for registered nurses, with a median salary of $88,530. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.