Average registered nurse compensation in Minnesota across seven career stages — from new grad RN to Chief Nursing Officer. Updated 2026 benchmarks to help you negotiate, plan, and grow.
RN Salary by Role in Minnesota
Minnesota offers competitive RN compensation, with staff nurses averaging close to $80,000 annually.
The earnings curve is significant across a nursing career in Minnesota. Entry-level new grad RNs generally start near $58,000, while experienced specialty nurses in high-acuity areas (ICU, ER, OR) average closer to $90,000. Leadership tracks open up further upside: nurse managers average around $101,000, directors of nursing near $117,000, and CNOs can reach $138,000. Advanced practice nurses (NPs, CNSs, CRNAs, and CNMs) in Minnesota report average compensation around $101,000.
Minnesota has enacted Nurse Licensure Compact legislation that has not yet taken effect, so for now nurses should continue to apply for licensure by endorsement through the Minnesota Board of Nursing when moving to or from Minnesota.
As with any state, factor in local cost of living and taxes alongside salary when evaluating job offers in Minnesota.
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