Top Paying Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 267,880 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Radiologists ($708,340), Dermatologists ($625,790), Surgeons, All Other ($568,150). The cost of living index is 92.6 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,384/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$181K
Avg. median salary
92.6
Cost of living index
$1,384
Median 2BR rent
5,792,406
Population
Highest paying careers in Minnesota
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $160K | $76.8/hr |
| 32 | Aerospace Engineers | Engineering | $159K | $76.47/hr |
| 33 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $159K | $76.3/hr |
| 34 | Lawyers | Legal | $155K | $74.59/hr |
| 35 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $154K | $73.93/hr |
| 36 | Managers, All Other | Management | $153K | $73.37/hr |
| 37 | Sales Managers | Management | $152K | $72.92/hr |
| 38 | Physical Scientists, All Other | Science | $148K | $71.1/hr |
| 39 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $145K | $69.62/hr |
| 40 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $141K | $67.88/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Minnesota
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-7.4% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,384/mo
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Metro areas in Minnesota
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Compare Minnesota to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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Calculate take-home pay in Minnesota
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Minnesota?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Minnesota?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data