Minneapolis vs St. Cloud: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,511 | $110,881▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.17 | $53.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,544▲ | $84,280 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,170▲ | $92,810 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,479▲ | $117,821 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,536▲ | $121,022 |
| Total Employed | 43,600▲ | 2,910 |
Verdict
Minneapolis and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall registered nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Cloud is $2,370 (2.18%). St. Cloud's median is +7.93% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $53,992,St. Cloud spans $36,742. Minneapolis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($126,530 effective) pays 22.23% more than Minneapolis ($103,519 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,536)
- ✓Larger job market (43,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,881/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,530)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Minneapolis grew 22.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.2% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$84,370 (2019) → $103,040 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$79,630 (2019) → $105,290 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Minneapolis or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to St. Cloud as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Minneapolis vs St. Cloud?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov