Healthcare Recruiting
Registered Nurse Salary in Minnesota 2026: City-by-City Pay Data
Registered Nurse Salary in Minnesota (2026): City-by-City Pay Data
The average registered nurse salary in Minnesota in 2026 is $79,300/year ($38.12/hour) based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and compensation data from Mayo Clinic, M Health Fairview, Allina Health, and other major Minnesota health systems. Rochester commands a significant premium due to Mayo Clinic's world-renowned brand and the competition for experienced specialty nurses it creates.
RN Salary by City in Minnesota
| City / Metro | Avg Annual Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rochester | $85,400 | Mayo Clinic dominates market; premium pay for specialty experience |
| Minneapolis / St. Paul Metro | $84,000 | M Health Fairview, Allina, Hennepin, Children's Minnesota |
| St. Cloud | $73,500 | CentraCare — large rural-serving regional system |
| Duluth | $73,800 | Essentia Health, St. Luke's — Iron Range and Lake Superior corridor |
| Mankato | $70,500 | Mayo Clinic Health System — Mankato |
| Bemidji / Brainerd (Rural) | $67,000 | Rural premiums for primary care and critical access hospitals |
Highest-Paying Nursing Specialties in Minnesota
| Specialty | Avg Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| CRNA | $210,000 |
| Transplant RN | $97,000 |
| Cardiac / Cath Lab RN | $95,000 |
| ICU / Critical Care RN | $93,000 |
| OR / Surgical RN | $89,000 |
| Oncology RN | $88,000 |
| Emergency RN | $85,000 |
Top Minnesota Healthcare Employers for RNs
- Mayo Clinic — flagship campus in Rochester; one of the strongest benefits packages in nursing nationally; regional sites across MN
- M Health Fairview — University of Minnesota-affiliated system; major Twin Cities academic and community hospitals
- Allina Health — 12 hospitals including Abbott Northwestern (a top cardiac center); strong Twin Cities presence
- Hennepin Healthcare — Level I trauma center in Minneapolis; strong MNA union contract
- Children's Minnesota — pediatric specialty; NICU, PICU, and pediatric oncology pay premiums
- Essentia Health — Duluth and greater northern Minnesota; rural incentive programs
Compact License Status
Minnesota is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). RNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Minnesota without an additional state license. Minnesota nurses establishing residency in another compact state should update their primary state of residence with the Minnesota Board of Nursing.
Minnesota RN Job Market Outlook
Minnesota consistently produces nurses from strong university programs (U of MN, MN State, private colleges), yet demand outpaces supply in specialty units and rural areas. Mayo Clinic's global reputation creates inbound competition from experienced nurses nationally, keeping Rochester pay floors elevated. Travel RN rates in the Twin Cities run $2,000–$2,600/week, with rural MN travel rates higher due to critical access hospital premiums. The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) represents RNs at Allina, Hennepin, and others — union contracts define base, differentials, and overtime.
How to Maximize Your RN Salary in Minnesota
- Target Mayo Clinic Rochester for specialty roles: Transplant, cardiovascular, and oncology RNs earn $85K–$100K+ with Mayo's comprehensive benefits
- Leverage MNA union protections: At Allina and Hennepin, union contracts set pay floors 8–15% above non-union peers
- Pursue transplant or cardiac certifications: Minnesota is a major transplant hub; CCTC and cardiac certifications command premiums at Abbott Northwestern and Mayo
- Consider rural critical access hospitals: Rural MN hospitals offer loan repayment, $10,000–$20,000 sign-on bonuses, and relocation assistance
- Night and weekend differentials: Minnesota hospitals typically offer $4–$8/hour differentials for evening, night, and weekend shifts
Related: RN Salary Illinois 2026, RN Salary Ohio 2026, RN Salary Washington 2026.
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