Minneapolis vs St. Paul: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,511▲ | $107,421 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.17▲ | $51.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,544▲ | $74,704 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,170▲ | $87,711 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,479▲ | $123,503 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,536 | $163,814▲ |
| Total Employed | 43,600▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Paul.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Paul is $1,090 (1.01%). Minneapolis's median is +5.63% 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. Paul spans $89,110. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($109,057 effective) pays 5.35% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,511/year)
- ✓Larger job market (43,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,814)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,057)
- ✓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 7.1% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$84,370 (2019) → $103,040 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$95,220 (2024) → $102,005 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Minneapolis or St. Paul?
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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