๐Ÿ’ฐ COL Index: 105 โ€” Near Avg Cost

Salaries in Plymouth, MN

What every job actually pays โ€” cost-of-living adjusted

Updated: February 2026 ยท 40 occupations ยท BLS + Census data

Avg. Salary
$55,116
across 40 roles
COL-Adjusted Avg
$52,743
real purchasing power
Top Paying Role
Software Developer
$128,978
1BR Rent
$1,201
median monthly

Hereโ€™s the thing about Plymouth: you can make a pretty decent living here without ever touching a line of code. The cityโ€™s median income of $130,793 isnโ€™t just carried by tech bros; itโ€™s a community where accountants and nurses pull in salaries that comfortably beat the national average. Itโ€™s a quiet counterpoint to the usual coastal narrative.

With a cost of living index of 104.5, Plymouth isnโ€™t a steal, but itโ€™s no wallet-drainer either. Your purchasing power here is solid. That $1,201 one-bedroom rent might feel steep at first glance, but when you stack a software developerโ€™s COL-adjusted salary of $123,424 against it, youโ€™re not just making ends meetโ€”youโ€™re building a life. Itโ€™s a place where a teacherโ€™s salary ($61,750 adjusted) can actually stretch to cover a mortgage, which is a pleasant surprise in 2026.

The economy here is quietly anchored by big, stable employers. Weโ€™re talking major med-tech firms and healthcare systems that keep nurses and electricians in high demand. The 2.8% unemployment rate tells you everything you need to know: if you have a skill, youโ€™re not just employed, youโ€™re wanted. A 45.6% rate of bachelorโ€™s degrees suggests a highly competent workforce, but you donโ€™t need an advanced degree to do well here.

Now, the catch. While Plymouthโ€™s wages are strong, theyโ€™re not necessarily keeping pace with the creeping national inflation weโ€™ve all felt this year. The gap between the top earner (software developer) and the median salary is still pretty wide. This city works beautifully for skilled professionals in healthcare, tech, and trades, but it can feel tight for service workers or anyone starting out. Itโ€™s a blue-collar city with white-collar pay for the right roles.

The data below breaks it all down, from what you can actually take home to which jobs are worth the commute.

๐Ÿ† Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Plymouth

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

๐Ÿฅ‡ +1% vs national

Software Developer

$128,978
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $123,424
โฑ Hourly $62.01/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +17.0%
๐Ÿฅˆ +1% vs national

Accountant

$87,242
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $83,485
โฑ Hourly $41.94/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
๐Ÿฅ‰ +1% vs national

Registered Nurse

$87,231
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $83,475
โฑ Hourly $41.94/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +6.0%
4๏ธโƒฃ +1% vs national

Elementary School Teacher

$64,529
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $61,750
โฑ Hourly $31.02/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%
5๏ธโƒฃ +1% vs national

Electrician

$62,380
๐Ÿ’ก COL-Adjusted $59,694
โฑ Hourly $29.99/hr
๐Ÿ“ˆ Job Growth +3.0%

๐Ÿ“‹ Complete Salary Guide โ€” All 40 Occupations in Plymouth

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (105/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

# Occupation โ†• Raw Salary โ†•
1 Software Developer $128,978
2 Accountant $87,242
3 Registered Nurse $87,231
4 Elementary School Teacher $64,529
5 Electrician $62,380
6 Real Estate Agent $62,309
7 Heavy Truck Driver $53,806
8 Social Worker $50,674
9 Welder $50,674
10 Nail Technician $50,674
11 Cosmetologist $50,674
12 Chef/Head Cook $50,674
13 Personal Trainer $50,674
14 Veterinary Technician $50,674
15 Pharmacy Technician $50,674
16 Dental Assistant $50,674
17 Auto Mechanic $50,674
18 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $50,674
19 Construction Manager $50,674
20 Police Officer $50,674
21 Project Manager $50,674
22 Graphic Designer $50,674
23 Plumber $50,674
24 Loan Officer $50,674
25 Insurance Agent $50,674
26 Human Resources Specialist $50,674
27 Financial Analyst $50,674
28 Carpenter $50,674
29 Pharmacist $50,674
30 Physical Therapist $50,674
31 HVAC Technician $50,674
32 Nursing Assistant (CNA) $50,674
33 Data Analyst $50,674
34 Firefighter $50,674
35 Web Developer $50,674
36 Dental Hygienist $50,674
37 Medical Assistant $50,674
38 Marketing Manager $50,674
39 Paralegal $50,674
40 Security Guard $36,627

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

๐Ÿ™๏ธ Living Costs in Plymouth

๐Ÿ 
1BR Rent
$1,201/mo
๐Ÿก
2BR Rent
$1,501/mo
๐Ÿ˜๏ธ
Median Home
$495,000
๐Ÿ“‰
Unemployment
2.8%
๐Ÿ’ณ
Median Income
$130,793
๐ŸŽ“
College Educated
46%
๐Ÿšถ
Walk Score
35/100
๐Ÿ“Š
Cost of Living
105
Near Avg Cost

๐Ÿงฎ Can You Afford to Live in Plymouth?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Plymouth. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

โ“ Plymouth Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Plymouth, MN?

โ–ผ
The average salary across 40 occupations in Plymouth is $55,116 annually. This figure is 4.5% above the national average due to a COL index of 104.5. Insight: While solid, it's less than half the local median household income of $130,793.

What jobs pay the most in Plymouth?

โ–ผ
The highest paying role in Plymouth is Software Developer at $128,978 annually. This is more than double the city's average salary of $55,116. Insight: Tech roles command a premium, aligning closely with the median household income.

Is Plymouth affordable on a Software Developer salary?

โ–ผ
Yes, a Software Developer salary of $128,978 is highly affordable in Plymouth. With a 1BR rent of $1,201/month, housing costs are only 11.2% of gross income. Insight: This leaves substantial room for savings and discretionary spending.

How does Plymouth's cost of living affect my paycheck?

โ–ผ
Plymouth's COL index of 104.5 means living costs are 4.5% higher than the national average. On a $55,116 average salary, this reduces purchasing power compared to cheaper areas. Insight: Your paycheck buys less here, but high local incomes help offset the premium.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Plymouth?

โ–ผ
To live comfortably in Plymouth, aim for a salary near the median household income of $130,793. This covers 1BR rent ($1,201/mo) at 11% of income, leaving ample funds for other expenses. Insight: The high COL index of 104.5 means comfort requires above-average earnings.

๐Ÿ“ Editor's Verdict: Is Plymouth Worth It?

Hereโ€™s my honest take: Plymouth is fine, but not a gold rush. $55k average wonโ€™t go far with a 104.5 cost-of-living index and $1,201 rent. If youโ€™re in tech, the math worksโ€”Software Developers clear $128k and stay strong at $123k after COL. Healthcare and trades? Youโ€™ll scrape by unless youโ€™ve got seniority or a niche. For everyone else, budget tight and expect roommates.

If youโ€™re eyeing the move, donโ€™t come without a job lined upโ€”ideally in tech. Negotiate hard, because the COL cushion is thin, and donโ€™t assume a โ€œnice suburbโ€ means cheap living. Plymouthโ€™s safe and convenient, but it wonโ€™t make you rich.

Explore Plymouth Further