Technology Minnesota (MN) Rank #19 of 50

Software Engineer Salary in Minnesota

The median software engineer salary in Minnesota is $124,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $124,200.

Median Salary
$124,200
vs National
+$0
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Software Engineer Salary Overview in Minnesota (2026)

Minnesota ranks #19 out of 50 states for software engineer compensation. Minnesota falls in the middle of the pack for software engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $124,200 per year, software engineers in Minnesota earn $0 more than the national median of $124,200.

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

The salary spread in Minnesota is significant: software engineers at the 10th percentile earn $74,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $198,580 — a $123,980 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 $134,136.

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Minnesota and beyond.

Software Engineer Salary in Minnesota by Experience

In Minnesota, an entry-level software engineer earns around $78,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,000 per year. The cost of living index in Minnesota is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,000
+$0 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Minnesota

Percentile MN Salary
10th Percentile $74,600
25th Percentile $98,200
Median (50th) $124,200
75th Percentile $158,200
90th Percentile $198,580

Software Engineer Salary by City in Minnesota

The largest employment areas for software engineers 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 Software Engineer in Minnesota

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonJavaScriptSQLGitCloud PlatformsSystem Design

Job Outlook in Minnesota

Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Minnesota's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer Salary in Minnesota

How much does a Software Engineer make in Minnesota? ▼
The median software engineer salary in Minnesota is $124,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $124,200. Salaries range from $74,600 (10th percentile) to $198,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Software Engineer make per hour in Minnesota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,200, a software engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Minnesota a good state for software engineers? ▼
Minnesota ranks #19 out of 50 states for software engineer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level software engineers earn $78,000, while senior professionals earn $185,000.
How does Minnesota compare to other states for software engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for software engineers is Hawaii at $204,930. Minnesota's median of $124,200 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($124,200) and Illinois ($124,200).
What is the entry-level software engineer salary in Minnesota? ▼
An entry-level software engineer in Minnesota earns approximately $78,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $125,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $185,000.
What city in Minnesota pays software engineers the most? ▼
Minneapolis is the highest paying city in Minnesota for software engineers, with a median salary of $134,136. Other cities include Saint Paul and Rochester.