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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Minnesota

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$10.85

What is the minimum wage in Minnesota?

The minimum wage in Minnesota is $10.85 per hour for large employers and $8.63 per hour for small employers. The Minnesota minimum wage refers to the legally mandated lowest hourly rate that employers must pay to their employees.

The Minnesota minimum wage is periodically reviewed and adjusted to account for inflation and economic factors, ensuring that workers receive fair compensation. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information about the current minimum wage rates in Minnesota, consult official government websites or labor departments, which can provide comprehensive details regarding the minimum wage regulations in the state.

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$32.07

What is the average wage in Minnesota?

The average wage in Minnesota is about $32.07 per hour as of May 1, 2023. This is higher than the national average wage.

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$33.06

What is the living wage in Minnesota?

A guide to hourly labor laws in Minnesota

  • Final Paychecks: By the next regularly scheduled payday after the last day of employment. If the next payday is within five days, payment may be delayed until the next payday but must be paid within 20 days of the last day of employment (Minn. Stat. § 181.13).
  • Wage Payment Frequency: At least once every 31 days (Minn. Stat. § 181.01).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law (DoL). Certain cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, have local ordinances requiring paid sick leave (MinneapolisMN.gov) (StPaul.gov).  
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No state/federal paid leave. The FMLA provides up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year for eligible employees (FMLA). In 2026, Minnesota's Paid Family and Medical Leave program will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave (MN.gov) (MN Paid Leave Comparison Chart).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16: Minors under 14 may not work. No work during required school hours. No work between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week. No working in hazardous occupations (Minn. Stat. § 181A.09) (Minn. Stat. § 181A.04).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: No work during required school hours. No work for high school students between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. before a school day, with limited exceptions extending the hours to 11:30 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. No working in hazardous occupations (Minn. Stat. § 181A.09) (Minn. Stat. § 181A.04).

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area. Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:


  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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Learn about wages in your city

Minneapolis Minimum Wage