Software Engineer Salary in Minnesota
Based on 4K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$91,750
$44.11/hr
vs National Average
$106,671
-14.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $165K
4K employed in Minnesota
Software Engineer salary in Minnesota averages $91,750 per year, with the state currently employing approximately 4,180 workers in this role. However, this figure falls about 14% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in tech market compensation. Understanding where Minnesota stands helps job seekers and employers benchmark competitive offers.
Several factors influence Software Engineer salary in Minnesota, including experience level, specific technical skills, company size, and industry sector. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area typically offers higher compensation than rural regions, while startups and established tech companies may have different pay structures. Cost of living and local demand for specialized expertise also play significant roles in determining individual salary outcomes within the state.
Salary Distribution — Software Engineer in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,260 |
| 25th percentile | $78,620 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $91,750 |
| 75th percentile | $131,580 |
| 90th percentile | $165,210 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Engineer in Minnesota
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Minnesota — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BEST BUY CO., INC. | 5 | $160,000 |
| 2 | COGNIZANT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS US CORP | 4 | $109,782 |
| 3 | Capgemini America Inc | 4 | $125,749 |
| 4 | Accenture LLP | 3 | $124,500 |
| 5 | NTT DATA Americas, Inc. | 3 | $109,782 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Software Engineer H-1B Salary by Wage Level in Minnesota
DOL prevailing wage levels approximate seniority — Level I is entry-level, Level IV is senior/expert. Based on certified H-1B (LCA) filings in Minnesota.
| Wage Level | Experience | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level I | Entry-level | $79,602 | 5 |
| Level II | Qualified | $94,702 | 29 |
| Level III | Experienced | $110,240 | 25 |
| Level IV | Senior / Expert | $135,132 | 22 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026. Based on certified filings with a disclosed wage level.
Top-Paying Industries for Software Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Software Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Software Engineers in Minnesota tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $131,760 | 27K |
| Information | $131,720 | 48K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $128,070 | 25K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $124,530 | 98K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $121,310 | 124K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Software Engineer in Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,130 |
| 2023 | $99,620 |
| 2024 | $99,740 |
| 2025 | $91,750 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,750 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,130 | $89,712 |
| 2023 | $99,620 | $97,924 |
| 2024 | $99,740 | $101,746 |
| 2025 | $91,750 | $106,671 |
| 2026 (projected) | $91,750 | $106,671 |
Software Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $78,620 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $91,750 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,580 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $165,210 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Software Engineer Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Software Engineer ($91,750 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Software Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in MN | $176,380 | +92.2% | $84.80/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in MN | $135,850 | +48.1% | $65.31/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in MN | $134,300 | +46.4% | $64.57/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in MN | $133,270 | +45.3% | $64.07/hr |
| Database Administrator in MN | $133,050 | +45.0% | $63.97/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in MN | $130,710 | +42.5% | $62.84/hr |
| Software Developer in MN | $130,050 | +41.7% | $62.52/hr |
| Data Scientist in MN | $128,800 | +40.4% | $61.92/hr |
| Computer Programmer in MN | $107,250 | +16.9% | $51.56/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in MN | $106,350 | +15.9% | $51.13/hr |
| Network Administrator in MN | $101,870 | +11.0% | $48.98/hr |
| Web Developer in MN | $101,020 | +10.1% | $48.57/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software engineers make in Minnesota?
- The median salary for software engineers in Minnesota is $91,750 per year, or $44 per hour. This is approximately 14% below the national average for the role.
What is the salary range for software engineers in Minnesota?
- Software engineer salaries in Minnesota range from $65,260 at the lower end to $165,210 at the higher end, depending on experience, skills, and specific position.
Is Minnesota's software engineer salary competitive compared to the national average?
- Minnesota's median software engineer salary of $91,750 is 14% below the national average. However, with 4,180 software engineers employed in the state, there are still substantial opportunities in the market.
How many software engineers are employed in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 4,180 software engineers currently employed in Minnesota, indicating a solid job market for this profession in the state.