Bloomington vs Minneapolis: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Bloomington, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,588 | $108,511▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.24 | $52.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,849 | $86,544▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,865 | $99,170▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,714 | $130,479▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,937▲ | $140,536 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 43,600▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Minneapolis is $1,923 (1.80%). Minneapolis's median is +5.63% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $72,088,Minneapolis spans $53,992. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($108,211 effective) pays 4.53% more than Minneapolis ($103,519 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,937)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,211)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,511/year)
- ✓Larger job market (43,600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Bloomington grew 13.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$89,082 (2024) → $101,214 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$84,370 (2019) → $103,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Bloomington or Minneapolis?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov