Average RN Salary in Minnesota: See How Much MN Nurses Make
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Claire Gentile | Moment | Getty ImagesIf you are searching for top nursing programs and competitive pay, you may be interested in learning how an RN salary in Minnesota compares to other states. In 2021, Minnesota RN salaries ranked 13th in the country, above the national average yearly salary for RNs. The projected growth rate for RNs in Minnesota from 2018-2028 was an encouraging 12.4%, according to Projections Central.
Continue reading this guide to learn more about registered nurse salaries in Minnesota, including the highest-paying cities, salaries adjusted for cost of living, and how the demand for nurses in the state compares to national statistics.
- Average Minnesota RN Salary: $84,030 (Ranks 13th among all states)
- Hourly Minnesota RN Salary: $40.40
- Projected Minnesota RN Employment Growth (2018-2028): 12.4%
Source:BLS, Projections Central
Average RN Salaries in Minnesota
| Percentile | Average Annual RN Salary | Average Hourly RN Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 10% | $60,850 | $29.25 |
| 25% | $74,790 | $35.96 |
| 50% (Median) | $79,100 | $38.03 |
| 75% | $99,380 | $47.78 |
| 90% | $101,610 | $48.85 |
Source:BLS
According to a 2021 BLS report, the average annual registered nurse salary in Minnesota was $84,030. This figure equates to an hourly rate of $40.40.
Across the state, RNs in Minnesota earn a wide range of average annual salaries, starting at $60,850 up to $101,610. The exact pay for a registered nurse in Minnesota usually depends on several factors, including the job title, setting, experience and education level, and location.
Minnesota RN Salary, Adjusted for Cost of Living
In Minnesota, the cost of living index is 98.6, which is 1.4% lower than the national average of 100. The adjusted salary for cost of living incorporates regional living expenses, such as food, clothing, medical expenses, and housing. Localized regional price parities (RPPs) measure the price differences in goods and services in local regions compared to national costs.
RN salaries in different states are adjusted by multiplying their salaries by RPP. According to the Bureau of Economic Advancement, the adjusted income by RPP for nurses in Minnesota is $85,206, which is above the $82,750 national RN salary adjusted for the cost of living.
Minnesota pays more for RNs due to the high demand for nurses across the state. The long-term projected employment growth for RNs in Minnesota from 2018-2028 is 12.4%, compared to the 2020-2030 national growth rate of 9.0%.
- Average RN Salary Adjusted for Cost of Living: $85,206 (Ranks 10th among all states)
- Cost of Living Index (RPP): 98.6 (1.4% lower than the U.S. average)
Highest-Paying Cities for RNs in Minnesota
Salaries across Minnesota are influenced by factors like cost of living and demand. For example, there is a high demand for RNs in Rochester because it is home to the Mayo Clinic. Outlying areas offer attractive salaries to entice RNs to relocate.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, outlying cities like Duluth and Mankato have 50% fewer RN graduates than the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. The Twin Cities is home to large nursing programs like the University of Minnesota’s School of Nursing. Having fewer nursing programs often drives up the demand for nurses in a local geographic area.
| City | Average RN Salary |
|---|---|
| Duluth, MN — WI | $146,740 |
| Mankato — North Mankato, MN | $134,850 |
| Rochester, MN | $127,490 |
| Minneapolis — St. Paul — Bloomington, MN — WI | $125,940 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $122,180 |
Source:BLS
Average Salaries for Other Nursing Roles in Minnesota
Nurses who earn MSNs and individuals who pursue advanced practice registered nurse certification as nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse midwives, and nurse anesthetists can increase their potential yearly earnings. The annual salary for NPs in Minnesota was $127,010 in 2021. Minnesota ranks eighth in the country for highest-paid NPs. The national average NP salary is $118,040.
The opportunities for nurses in Minnesota are not limited to RNs. There is also a need for nursing assistants and LPNs. Salaries for other nursing roles in Minnesota include:
- Nursing Assistants: $36,730
- LPN/LVNs: $51,160
- Nurse Midwives: $119,970
- Nurse Practitioners: $127,010
- Nurse Anesthetists: $214,460
Source:BLS
