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Licensed Practical Nurse Salaries in Minnesota — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Licensed Practical Nurses in Minnesota earn an average of $60,870 per year ($29.26/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 12,740 licensed practical nurses.

Licensed Practical Nurse salaries in Minnesota are below the national average by approximately $2,617. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.

Minnesota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for licensed practical nurses across both urban and rural areas.

Minnesota Licensed Practical Nurse Take-Home Pay Calculator

Interactive

Enter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Minnesota after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$60,870
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$44,885

Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.

Am I Paid Fairly? — Minnesota Licensed Practical Nurse Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Minnesota median of $60,870.

Your annual salary ($)

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by Experience — Minnesota

Entry Level (0–2 years)$37,700/yr · $18.12/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Minnesota.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$54,174/yr · $26.05/hr
Established professional working independently in Minnesota. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$67,565/yr · $32.48/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Minnesota.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$87,700+/yr · $42.16/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Minnesota.
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Licensed Practical Nurse Salary Trend in Minnesota — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

licensed practical nurses pay in Minnesota has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the licensed practical nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Minnesota's healthcare and long-term care.

2021
$53,443
2022
$56,548
+5.8%
2023
$59,165
+4.6%
2024
$60,139
+1.6%
2026
$60,870
+1.2%

Licensed Practical Nurse Salary by City — Minnesota

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Minneapolis$67,550$32.48+11.0%4,459
Saint Paul$64,500$31.01+6.0%3,567
Rochester$62,700$30.14+3.0%2,293
Duluth$58,450$28.10-4.0%1,146
Bloomington$55,400$26.63-9.0%764
Brooklyn Park$52,950$25.46-13.0%509

Tip: Minneapolis offers the highest licensed practical nurse salaries in Minnesota at $67,550/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Minnesota vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Minnesota sits in the mid-range for licensed practical nurses.

Minnesota — 9.85% state income tax$60,870 gross~$44,885 take-home
North Dakota — 2.5%$60,820 gross-0.1% vs MN
South Dakota — no state tax$49,170 gross-19.2% vs MN
Iowa — 6.0%$59,460 gross-2.3% vs MN

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.

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Licensed Practical Nurse Job Outlook in Minnesota

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
12,740Currently employed
1,274+New jobs projected

Employment for licensed practical nurses in Minnesota is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Minnesota job market. Minnesota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for licensed practical nurses across both urban and rural areas.

How to Earn More as a Licensed Practical Nurse in Minnesota

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a licensed practical nurse in Minnesota typically adds $50,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Minneapolis pays licensed practical nurses $67,550/yr — +11.0% above the Minnesota average. Simply relocating within Minnesota can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.

3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Licensed Practical Nurses who specialise in healthcare and long-term care typically command premium rates in Minnesota. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.

4. Consider neighbouring states. North Dakota pays licensed practical nurses $60,820/yr — -0.1% vs Minnesota.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a licensed practical nurse earn in Minnesota on average?
The average licensed practical nurse salary in Minnesota is $60,870 per year, or $29.26 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $37,700 while experienced professionals earn $87,700 or more.
Which Minnesota city has the highest licensed practical nurse salary?
Minneapolis pays licensed practical nurses the most in Minnesota at an average of $67,550 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Minnesota licensed practical nurse salary compare to the national average?
Minnesota licensed practical nurse salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $2,617. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
How much do licensed practical nurses actually take home after taxes in Minnesota?
A licensed practical nurse earning the Minnesota average of $60,870 takes home approximately $44,885 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Minnesota has a state income tax rate of up to 9.85%.
Is licensed practical nurse a good career in Minnesota?
Yes. Licensed Practical Nurse is a strong career choice in Minnesota with steady demand projected over the next decade. Minnesota's diverse economy underpins consistent demand for licensed practical nurses across both urban and rural areas.
How do you get a licensed practical nurse licence in Minnesota?
In Minnesota, licensed practical nurses are licensed through the State Board of Nursing. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Board of Nursing for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.