Registered Nurse License Cost in Minnesota 2026: $405 Fees, $86K Salary
Getting a Registered Nurse license in Minnesota costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.
Registered Nurse License in Minnesota — Key Numbers
$405
Upfront Cost
$86K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$110
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.1 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Minnesota
Exam fee
$200
Application fee
$130
Initial license fee
$75
Total upfront
$405
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs)
$110
CE hours required per cycle
30 hours
Salary without license (Minnesota)
$42,000/yr
Salary with license (Minnesota)
$86,000/yr
5-year net ROI
$220K
Licensing body: Minnesota Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Registered Nurse License in Minnesota — What to Know
Minnesota RN demand is driven by hospital systems, long-term care, and home health agencies. The $86K median reflects the state's wage scale — solid earning potential with lower cost of living than coastal markets. The NCLEX-RN ($200) plus state fees brings the typical upfront licensing cost to $400–$600. Specialty certifications (CCRN, CEN, ONC) carry meaningful salary premiums in Minnesota's hospital systems. RN-to-BSN completion programs are widely available in the state.