Apple Valley vs Minneapolis: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Apple Valley, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apple Valley, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,330 | $69,403▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.40 | $33.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,148 | $60,059▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,880 | $65,354▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,373▲ | $77,637 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,521▲ | $81,664 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 6,300▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Apple Valley.
The salary gap between Apple Valley and Minneapolis is $4,073 (6.23%). Minneapolis's median is +1.96% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apple Valley spans $32,373,Minneapolis spans $21,605. Apple Valley 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, Apple Valley ($66,325 effective) pays 0.17% more than Minneapolis ($66,210 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apple Valley if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,521)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,325)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,403/year)
- ✓Larger job market (6,300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Apple Valley grew 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.8% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Apple Valley, MN
$56,344 (2024) → $61,807 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$50,580 (2019) → $65,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Apple Valley, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Apple Valley or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apple Valley and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Apple Valley to Minneapolis as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Apple Valley vs Minneapolis?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov