Licensed Practical Nurse.
Minneapolis.
$56,000
median salary, 10% above the national average
$46,000 to $68,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Minneapolis is 5% more expensive than the national average. For Licensed Practical Nurses, that shakes out to a median of $56,000, with the full range spanning $46,000 to $68,000. Work setting creates the widest pay gap, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies paying above physician offices. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $51,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$36,000
to $45,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$48,000
to $59,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$62,000
to $73,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$70,000
to $87,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $14,000 to the total package.
Base
$56,000
Equity
$8,000
Bonus
$5,000
Signing
$1,000
Estimated total: $70,000
How Minneapolis compares
Minneapolis, MN
$56,000
Cost of living: 5% above average
National Average
$51,000
Minneapolis is $5,000 above
Licensed Practical Nurse salary by city
Salary by role in Minneapolis
What you should know
Here is what the Licensed Practical Nurse market actually looks like in Minneapolis. Minneapolis is a Fortune 500 powerhouse with Target, UnitedHealth Group, Best Buy, and 3M headquartered in the metro. The city's strong corporate base creates consistent demand across finance, healthcare, retail tech, and supply chain roles. Quality of life is high, and employers offer competitive salaries to offset the cold winters. Work setting creates the widest pay gap, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies paying above physician offices. States with nurse licensure compacts offer more flexibility and often higher pay for travel assignments. Shift differentials for evenings and weekends and IV therapy certification also contribute to higher earnings.
New LPNs start at $40,000 to $45,000 in most settings. With five years of experience and specialty skills, pay reaches $52,000 to $60,000. Charge LPNs or unit supervisors can earn $62,000 to $72,000, and many LPNs use the role as a bridge to RN licensure. In Minneapolis, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. LPNs receive standard healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and retirement contributions. Overtime is common and can add $5,000 to $10,000 annually. Some employers offer sign-on bonuses of $2,000 to $5,000 in high-demand areas. And on the tax side: minnesota's top income tax rate is 9.85%, one of the highest state rates. There is no city income tax in Minneapolis, but the state burden significantly reduces take home pay. When someone quotes you $56,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Emphasize retention risk when negotiating. Minneapolis employers know that remote opportunities from warmer, lower tax states are a constant competitive threat. The range for Licensed Practical Nurses in Minneapolis runs from $46,000 to $68,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
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Common questions.
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Other salaries in Minneapolis
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