TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

AI Engineer Salary
in Minneapolis, MN

Develop and deploy artificial intelligence systems and applications. Median salary in Minneapolis: $196K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$196K
per year
Take-home: $125K

Salary range in Minneapolis

Entry level (25th)$146,000
Median (50th)$196,000
Senior (75th)$252,000
Top earner (90th)$325,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Minneapolis

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

12% premium vs national median

AI Engineers in Minneapolis earn approximately 12% higher than the US national median for this role — a $21,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Minneapolis's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Cost-of-living adjusted picture

Adjusted for Minneapolis's cost-of-living index (106), the median AI Engineer salary buys the equivalent of $184,906 in a US-average-cost city. That's $9,906 more purchasing power than the national median — a meaningful real-wage advantage.

Strong 12% annual wage growth

This role's national salaries are growing at 12% year-over-year, well above the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. If that pace holds, the Minneapolis median reaches $345,419 in five years.

Key facts for Minneapolis

Median salary
$196K
annual
Take-home pay
$125K
after fed/state tax
COL index
106
100 = US avg
State income tax
6.8%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,450
per month
YoY growth
+12%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Minneapolis AI Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $196K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Minneapolis

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
AI Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$164K$179K$193K$208K$222K201920212023202520272029
2026
$201K
projected
2027
$206K
projected
2028
$211K
projected
2029
$216K
projected
2030
$222K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$196,000+$0
2028 projected$196,000+$0
2029 projected$196,000+$0
2030 projected$196,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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AI Engineer Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota: Complete Guide (2026)

The median AI Engineer salary in Minneapolis, MN is $196,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Minneapolis–MN metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for AI Engineer in Minneapolis

Entry-level AI Engineers in Minneapolis with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $146,000 and $196,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $196,000 to $252,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $252,000 to $325,000 or more.

Cost of living in Minneapolis for AI Engineers

Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 106 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Minneapolis are close to the national average. Minnesota has a 6.8% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for AI Engineer

Master's or PhD in CS or AI. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Minneapolis-based professionals.

AI Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Minneapolis (current)$196K106
St. Paul$189K104
Rochester$175K100
Duluth$161K92