Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Unemployment rate
1990–2024BLS state series.
Employment
Minnesota has about 3.01 million employed workers, led by healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing and retail trade.
Total nonfarm payroll jobs
1990–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED MNNA).
| Indicator | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Employment (millions) | 3.01 | 161 |
Unemployment
Minnesota's unemployment rate was 3.0% in 2024, among the lowest in the country.
Unemployment rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average of seasonally adjusted months (FRED MNUR).
| Indicator | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Unemployment rate (%) | 3 | 4 |
- •Minnesota has consistently posted one of the lowest unemployment rates among all U.S. states.
Labor Force
Minnesota's labor force totals about 3.10 million workers, with one of the highest labor force participation rates in the country.
Civilian labor force
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED MNLF).
| Indicator | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor force (millions) | 3.1 | 168 |
Occupations
Minnesota's largest employment sector is healthcare and social assistance, reflecting its major hospital systems and Mayo Clinic-driven medical economy.
Workers in management, business, science and arts occupations
2008–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, civilian employed 16+, C24010 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare employment share (%) | 14.5 | 13 |
Salaries
Minnesota's median annual wage is about $52,900, above the national median, reflecting a strong base of corporate and healthcare jobs.
Average weekly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU27000000500000011).
Average hourly earnings, private sector
2007–2025BLS Current Employment Statistics, annual average (FRED SMU27000000500000003).
| Indicator | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage (USD) | 52900 | 48060 |
Remote Work
Minnesota has a moderate share of remote workers, about 15% of employees working primarily from home, concentrated in Twin Cities corporate headquarters.
Workers who work from home
2006–2024Census American Community Survey 1-year estimates, share of workers 16+, B08301 (2020 not released).
| Indicator | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Remote work share (%) | 15 | 13.8 |
Workforce Participation
Minnesota's labor force participation rate is 68.5%, among the highest in the country.
Labor force participation rate
1976–2024BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average (FRED LBSSA27).
| Indicator | Minnesota | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Labor force participation (%) | 68.5 | 62.5 |