Minnesota consistently ranks among the best U.S. states for quality of life, education, and healthcare—but how does it fare in terms of income? If you're job hunting, relocating, or hiring in the North Star State, knowing the average salary in Minnesota (MN) can help you make better financial decisions.
Quick Overview: What Is the Average Salary in Minnesota?
- Median Household Income: ~$82,000/year
- Average Annual Salary: ~$64,000/year
- Average Hourly Wage: ~$30.75/hour
- Minimum Wage (State Level): $10.85/hour (large employers)
Sources:
Salary Breakdown by Occupation
| Occupation | Average Salary (Annual) | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $91,000 | $43.75 |
| Software Developer | $108,000 | $51.90 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $66,000 | $31.73 |
| Retail Sales Associate | $32,000 | $15.38 |
| Truck Driver (Heavy) | $58,000 | $27.88 |
| Accountant | $74,000 | $35.58 |
| Electrician | $72,500 | $34.85 |
| Customer Service Rep | $42,000 | $20.19 |
| Fast Food Worker | $28,000 | $13.46 |
✅ These figures are based on averages from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and Minnesota DEED databases.
Average Salaries by Minnesota City
Like most U.S. states, salaries vary depending on where you live.
🏙 Minneapolis–St. Paul (Twin Cities Metro)
- Average salary: $70,000+
- Strong job markets in healthcare, finance, and tech
- Higher cost of living but also higher wages
🌆 Rochester
- Average salary: $62,000
- Healthcare hub (home to Mayo Clinic)
- Good for medical professionals and support roles
🌄 Duluth
- Average salary: $55,000
- Tourism, manufacturing, and transportation-focused economy
🏡 St. Cloud / Mankato
- Average salary: $50,000 – $60,000
- Lower cost of living, ideal for education and small business careers
Get localized wage info via Minnesota Salary Explorer Tool
Minimum Wage in Minnesota (2025)
Minnesota has two-tiered minimum wages based on business size:
| Employer Size | Hourly Minimum Wage |
|---|---|
| Large Employers (≥ $500k gross) | $10.85/hour |
| Small Employers (< $500k gross) | $8.85/hour |
Note: Minneapolis and St. Paul have higher city-level minimum wages. For example, Minneapolis plans to raise its minimum wage to $15.57/hour by July 2025. 🔍 More info: MN Department of Labor and Industry
High-Paying Industries in Minnesota
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Surgeons, anesthesiologists, and specialized nurses earn $120K–$300K+.
- Minnesota is home to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic.
- Information Technology & Software Development
- Average pay for developers exceeds $100K, especially in Twin Cities.
- Engineering & Manufacturing
- Mechanical, electrical, and civil engineers earn $75K–$110K.
- Finance & Insurance
- Financial analysts, underwriters, and actuaries earn $85K–$120K on average.
- Legal & Compliance
- Attorneys and legal managers in MN earn between $100K–$160K depending on firm and specialization.
Full industry salary breakdown: DEED Occupations in Demand Tool
How Does Minnesota Compare Nationally?
| Metric | Minnesota | U.S. National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | ~$64,000/year | ~$59,000/year |
| Unemployment Rate (2025 est.) | ~3.4% | ~3.8% |
| Cost of Living Index | ~101 | 100 |
Minnesota slightly outpaces national salary averages—especially in healthcare, education, and IT—while maintaining a modestly above-average cost of living. Compare U.S. regions: BLS State and Metro Area Employment Data
