Salary Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Minneapolis
$86,000
median salary, 5% above the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Registered Nurse salary in Minneapolis is $86,000. Salaries range from $65,000 (25th percentile) to $110,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Minneapolis's cost of living.
Salary range
How Minneapolis compares
Minneapolis, MN
$86,000
Cost of living: 5% above average
National Average
$82,000
Minneapolis is $4,000 above
Registered Nurse job market in Minneapolis
Minneapolis market overview
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.
What drives Registered Nurse salaries
Specialty certification, geographic location, and facility type create the widest salary ranges. ICU, OR, and emergency nurses earn premiums over med surg nurses. Travel nursing contracts can pay 50 to 100% more than permanent positions. Union representation and shift differentials for nights and weekends also impact total pay.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
Benefits are a major component, typically including health insurance, pension or 403(b) matching, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education credits. Shift differentials add $3 to $8 per hour for nights and weekends. Signing bonuses of $5,000 to $20,000 are common in high demand specialties.
Tax considerations in Minneapolis
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.
Career progression
New graduate RNs start at $58,000 to $72,000, with experienced RNs reaching $80,000 to $100,000 after five years. Nurse practitioners earn $110,000 to $140,000, and CRNAs (nurse anesthetists) can earn $180,000 to $220,000. Nursing management roles offer $95,000 to $140,000 with administrative responsibilities.
Top industries in Minneapolis
Negotiating in Minneapolis
Emphasize retention risk when negotiating. Minneapolis employers know that remote opportunities from warmer, lower tax states are a constant competitive threat.