Registered Nurse Hourly Pay in Elk River, MN: $51.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a registered nurse working in Elk River, MN runs $51.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,313 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1141). Weighted against Elk River's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,781 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

With a median registered nurse hourly pay of $51.11 in Elk River, Minnesota, healthcare professionals in this field can expect to earn more than the national hourly median of $49.39. This figure is particularly significant for part-time and per-diem workers, who often staff high-demand areas like emergency departments, ICUs, and outpatient clinics. Those working part-time, perhaps on a three-day schedule, can maintain a substantial income while enjoying a work-life balance that full-time shifts may not offer. The estimated hourly range for registered nurses in Elk River varies widely, spanning from $38.85 for entry-level positions to $72.19 for top earners, underscoring the potential for growth and increased earning through experience and specialization.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($93,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Registered Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.85 | $310.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.54 | $348.28 |
| Median (P50) | $51.11 | $408.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.59 | $452.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.19 | $577.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elk River
Based on $51.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.11/hr, a registered nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elk River, MN can expect to earn approximately $106,302 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,328. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elk River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elk River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,044.28 | $8,859 | $106,302 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,226.57 | $5,315 | $63,781 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $817.71 | $3,543 | $42,521 |
Compare RN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (Elk River) | $51.11 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.34 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Nurse Practitioner (National Avg) | $63.50 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
Registered Nurses in Elk River, MN earn a median of $106,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.49% higher than the national median of $102,730 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $108,482.
Registered Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.11/hr = $63,781/year (purchasing power: $64,753).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,302/year (purchasing power: $107,921).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Registered Nurses in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.31% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for registered nurses in Elk River grew 33.1% from $36.47/hr (2019) to $48.53/hr (2025). At a 5.31% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.82/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem registered nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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.
Working as an Hourly Registered Nurse in Elk River
Part-time registered nurses, typically working around 24 hours weekly, can see a meaningful annual take-home amount even while not working full-time, allowing for flexibility that many value in their careers. Per-diem or agency RNs in Elk River frequently negotiate rates ranging from $50 to $80 per hour depending on their specialty, which can significantly enhance total compensation. In addition, travel nurses often receive lucrative contracts, especially in shortage areas, with weekly earnings ranging from $2,000 to $4,500, or even $5,000 to $8,000 during crises. Employers across various healthcare settings like hospitals, surgical centers, and home health agencies may offer differing hourly rates, affecting a nurse's decision to pursue positions based on benefits versus hourly wages. Successfully negotiating rates can hinge upon awareness of local market trends and demands for specific skill sets, allowing registered nurses in Elk River to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Elk River, 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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.31% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for registered nurses in Elk River. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Elk River 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