How Software Engineers in Minnesota get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Minnesota compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $104,800 | $79,600 | $136,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $130,300 | $99,000 | $169,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $149,800 | $113,800 | $194,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $179,700 | $136,500 | $233,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $203,700 | $154,700 | $264,700 |
Pay varies sharply within Minnesota. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | $154,200 | $117,200 | $200,500 | +3% |
Top occupations by median pay in Minnesota — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Minnesota
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Software Engineer salary in Minnesota is $149,800 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $113,800 and the 75th at $194,700.
Pay-wise, Minnesota sits +8% above the national Software Engineer median ($138,700). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Software Engineers (10–14 years of experience) in Minnesota earn around $179,700 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $203,700 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Minnesota ranks 16th for Software Engineer pay. The highest-paying state pays around $215,000 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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