Salaries in Minneapolis, MN

Here’s the thing about Minneapolis in 2026: it’s not the sleepy Midwestern backwater you might expect. With a 2.8% unemployment rate, the city’s job market is tighter than a drum, and that’s creating some weird dynamics. The real kicker? A population of just 425,000 packs a surprising economic punch.

Let’s talk purchasing power. The cost of living sits at 104.5, meaning you’re paying about 4.5% more than the national average. It’s not San Francisco, but it’s not a bargain either. That $81,001 median household income sounds great, but when you consider a one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,327 a month, you start to see the math. The COL-adjusted average salary here is $67,664, which feels about right for the quality of life you get. You’re not getting rich quick, but you’re not drowning, either.

Who’s actually thriving? This city runs on a few key engines. The tech scene, anchored by the likes of Best Buy’s headquarters and a growing roster of health tech startups, is pulling in software developers who earn a median of nearly $129,000. Healthcare is massive, thanks to the Mayo Clinic’s influence and a cluster of major medical centers, keeping pharmacists in high demand at around $138,000. And you can’t ignore the construction boom; with a 58.8% bachelor’s degree rate, the city is constantly building, which is why construction managers can pull in over $109,000. I’ll admit, I was surprised to see marketing managers topping the list at nearly $160,000—that’s a testament to the Fortune 500 corporate HQs dotting the skyline.

Here’s the honest catch: wages aren’t keeping pace with the quiet creep in housing costs. The city is a fantastic fit for young professionals and families who want urban amenities without the coastal price tag, but it’s becoming a tougher sell for those on the lower rungs of the income ladder.

The data below breaks down the salaries that prove it.