Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Minneapolis, MN: $69,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time licensed practical nurse in Minneapolis, MN earns a median $69,403/year (≈ $33.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Once you factor in Minneapolis's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 104.8), that paycheck buys what $66,210 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the Minnesota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the projected 2026 median annual salary for licensed practical nurses is set at $69,403, which reflects a competitive edge over the national average of $68,071. With the salary range ranging from $60,059 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile, these figures highlight the diverse earning potential within the profession. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, this compensation can be attributed in part to the state's scope-of-practice regulations, which allow LPNs significant responsibilities, including IV therapy and patient assessments. Such factors position the licensed practical nurse salary in Minneapolis as an attractive option for those entering the field, particularly in a city with a strong demand for healthcare professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,059 | $28.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,354 | $31.42 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,403 | $33.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,637 | $37.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,664 | $39.26 |
Median Salary Position
1.96% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, MN, the licensed practical nurse salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $21,605 (2026 est.). At $69,403, the local median is 1.96% above the national median of $68,071.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Minneapolis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Minneapolis Licensed Practical Nurse Pay Compares
Minneapolis median: $69,403/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Minneapolis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $67,381 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $68,071 | +1.96% more |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $69,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.96% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 3.00% above the Minnesota state average of $67,381.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Minneapolis has a cost of living 4.82% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Minneapolis, MN has a cost-of-living index of 104.822 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,403 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,210 — a 4.6% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$50,580
2025 BLS Actual
$65,660
2026 Current Est.
$69,403
2019–2027 Growth
+45.0%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,880 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,610 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,070 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,359 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minneapolis metropolitan area, the median licensed practical nurse salary grew 29.8% from $50,580 (2019) to $65,660 (2025). At a 5.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,359 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,779 (45.04%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis 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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,059 – $65,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,354 – $69,403 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,403 – $77,637 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,637 – $81,664 |
LPN salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual licensed practical nurse compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Licensed Practical Nurse Job Market in Minneapolis
The job market for licensed practical nurses in Minneapolis is robust, with approximately 6,300 LPNs currently employed in the region. However, the cost-of-living index, which sits at 104.822, indicates that expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power. Among the highest-paying employers are skilled nursing facilities and hospitals. The disparity in pay often stems from working conditions, with long-term care facilities typically offering higher salaries compared to home health agencies or physician offices. Factors such as shift differentials, certifications like IV therapy, and incentives for weekend and holiday shifts can greatly enhance earning potential. To maximize pay, LPNs should pursue additional skills, certifications, and consider roles in long-term care settings where compensation tends to be more favorable. The ongoing growth in the healthcare sector, projected at 5.70% over the next five years, suggests an encouraging outlook for those considering how much licensed practical nurses make in Minneapolis.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do licensed practical nurses make in Minneapolis, MN in 2026?
Is Minneapolis, MN a good place to work as a licensed practical nurse?
Can licensed practical nurses make $100K in Minneapolis?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted licensed practical nurse salary in Minneapolis?
How much does a licensed practical nurse make per hour in Minneapolis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $65,660 for licensed practical nursesin the Minneapolis metropolitan area. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov