Fortune 500 hub (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth). Here's how AI Engineers in Minneapolis get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Minneapolis metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $153,700 | $116,800 | $199,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $191,000 | $145,200 | $248,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $219,600 | $166,900 | $285,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $263,500 | $200,200 | $342,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $298,600 | $226,900 | $388,200 |
Highest-paying metros for AI Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Minneapolis metro economy.
The average AI Engineer salary in the Minneapolis metro is $219,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $166,900 to $285,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $362,400 or more.
Yes — Minneapolis pays +3% relative to the Minnesota state median for AI Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Minneapolis vs. national: +11%. That puts Minneapolis among the stronger US markets for AI Engineers — though cost of living in Minneapolis is also typically elevated.
In Minneapolis, the median AI Engineer salary of $219,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level AI Engineers in Minneapolis start around $153,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $263,500 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
Get my personal salary report →