Entry-Level Registered Nurse Salary in Plymouth, MN: $71,927 (2026)
Quick Answer:New registered nurses entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,927 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1141, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $73,022 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,388) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, MN, new graduates entering the nursing field can expect an entry-level registered nurse salary of about $71,927 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower threshold for novice nurses, it is essential to note that the median annual salary for registered nurses in the city is projected to reach $107,388. Thus, new grads start with a considerable gap to bridge as they gain experience. Over the first few years, nurses can anticipate growth in their earnings, with many professionals reaching upwards of $91,096 within three to five years of practice. With a consistent growth rate of 5.31% annually, Plymouth presents a promising environment for newcomers to the profession as it offers a relatively competitive salary as compared to the national median of $102,730.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Entry-level registered nurses in Plymouth, MN typically start between $71,927 and $91,096 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,377 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,388 — 4.53% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Minnesota of $60,000 represents just 83.42% of the starting registered nurse pay ($71,927/year) in Plymouth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACEN- and CCNE-accredited nursing programs and state board of nursing data. Tuition varies significantly between community college ADN, public university BSN, and private university BSN pathways.
RN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level registered nurse pay ranges from $71,927 to $91,096, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Registered Nurse Compensation Range
The registered nurse wage spread in Plymouth is $75,377 ( 104.80%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,927, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,304.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,597
2025 BLS Actual
$68,300
2026 Current Est.
$71,927
2019–2027 Growth
+46.8%
Salary Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,597 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,914 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,898 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,681 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,128 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,605 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,300 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,927 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,746 | Projected |
Entry-level registered nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 32.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $51,597 in 2019 to $68,300 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,746. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.31% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Plymouth
Employers in Plymouth who actively recruit new graduate RNs include prominent hospital systems that often implement structured residency programs aimed at easing the transition from academia to practice. These programs typically last around 12 months and provide invaluable rotations in critical care and emergency departments, among other specialties. Additionally, community hospitals may offer quicker cross-training opportunities, setting the stage for diverse experiences early in a nurse's career. To enhance their starting pay, new nurses should focus on obtaining an active RN license, along with an ASN or BSN degree. Continuing education through specialty certifications such as CCRN or CEN can further elevate earning potential. As the landscape has shifted with the rise of travel nursing, early-career nurses in Plymouth must also consider the impact of shift differentials on overall compensation. Realistic salary progression in the first three years can vary widely depending on experience, certifications, and the employing institution, making strategic planning critical in this competitive field.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.31%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for registered nurses (SOC 29-1141).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov