Last Updated: May 2026

Minneapolis RN Salary 2026: How Much Do Nurses Make in Minneapolis, MN?

Quick Answer

Minneapolis RNs earn $85,000/year ($40.87/hr) based on the latest BLS data. Strong Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) union contracts at Allina, M Health Fairview, and HealthPartners set competitive wage floors. Senior nurses at major systems reach $100,000–$122,000/year. Minnesota's high state income tax (up to 9.85%) is the key financial drawback.

Minneapolis is home to some of the Midwest's strongest nursing labor contracts. The Minnesota Nurses Association has negotiated above-average wages, staffing ratios, and step increases at the major Twin Cities health systems. For nurses who prioritize job stability and transparent wage progression, Minneapolis is one of the best markets in the region.

Minneapolis RN Salary by Experience Level (2026)

Minneapolis RN Salary by Years of Experience

Experience LevelAnnual Salary RangeHourly Rate
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs)$67,000 – $74,000$32.21 – $35.58/hr
Mid-Career (3–7 yrs)$82,000 – $96,000$39.42 – $46.15/hr
Senior (8+ yrs)$96,000 – $118,000$46.15 – $56.73/hr
Top 10% earners$122,000+$58.65+/hr

Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data

Minneapolis RN Salary by Hospital (2026)

Bar chart comparing 2026 RN salaries across top Minneapolis hospitals including Mayo Clinic and M Health Fairview

MNA-represented hospitals (M Health Fairview, Allina, HealthPartners) generally pay more and offer more predictable wage progression than non-union employers. The union's 2023 strike across the Twin Cities resulted in significant wage gains that are now reflected in current contracts.

Nurse Salary by Hospital in Minneapolis, MN

HospitalRN Salary RangeNotes
M Health Fairview (U of MN)$86,000 – $112,000MNA union; PSLF eligible
Allina Health (multiple sites)$83,000 – $108,000MNA union contract
HealthPartners (Regions Hospital)$82,000 – $106,000Level 1 Trauma; MNA
Children's Minnesota$80,000 – $104,000Pediatric specialty center
North Memorial Health$78,000 – $100,000Level 1 Trauma; non-union
Hennepin Healthcare$80,000 – $102,000Level 1 Trauma; public system

Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 hospital data

Minneapolis RN Salary by Specialty (2026)

Registered nurse in navy blue scrubs outside a Minneapolis Minnesota hospital, professional and confident in a healthcare setting

Minneapolis RN Salary by Specialty

SpecialtyAvg Annual SalaryPremium Over Med-Surg
Med-Surg$78,000Base
Telemetry$82,000+$4,000
L&D$84,500+$6,500
ER$87,500+$9,500
OR / Surgical$86,000+$8,000
ICU / Critical Care$90,500+$12,500
NICU$87,000+$9,000

Source: NurseSalaryIntel 2026 data

Minnesota Income Tax: The Real Cost

Minnesota has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 9.85% — among the highest in the country. A Minneapolis RN earning $85,000/year pays approximately $5,500–$7,000 in state income tax. When comparing a Minneapolis job offer to one in a no-income-tax state (Texas, Florida, Nevada, Washington), subtract $5,000–$8,000 from the Minneapolis gross to get a realistic take-home comparison. The union contract benefits and step increases may offset this over time, but it's a key factor for nurses considering relocation.

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📊 Data Methodology

Salary figures on this page are 2026 estimates derived from the most recent available U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, based on the May 2024 survey and published in March 2025. Estimated ranges may also incorporate publicly available 2025 job postings, hospital pay schedules, regional market conditions, and reported compensation trends.

Official 2026 OEWS wage data has not yet been released. All salary figures on this page should be treated as informational estimates rather than official government statistics or guaranteed compensation rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average RN salary in Minneapolis in 2026?
Minneapolis RNs earn an average of $85,000/year ($40.87/hr), near the national average of approximately $89,000. Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) contracts at major hospital systems set strong wage floors, and experienced nurses at Mayo Clinic Rochester and M Health Fairview can reach $100,000–$120,000/year.
Are Minneapolis nurses unionized?
Many are. The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) represents nurses at Allina Health, M Health Fairview, HealthPartners, and several other major Twin Cities systems. MNA contracts typically set higher base wages, defined step increases, and better staffing ratios than non-union facilities.
How does Minnesota income tax affect nurse pay in Minneapolis?
Minnesota has one of the higher state income tax rates — up to 9.85% for higher earners. On an $85,000 salary, a Minneapolis RN pays approximately $5,500–$7,000/year in state income tax. This is a significant factor when comparing Minneapolis offers to no-tax states like Texas or Nevada.
Does Mayo Clinic hire RNs in Minneapolis?
Mayo Clinic's main campus is in Rochester, MN (90 miles from Minneapolis), but it does have a presence in the Twin Cities. Mayo Rochester pays RNs $85,000–$120,000/year and is considered one of the premier nursing employers in the Midwest for specialty and magnet designation.
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