#23: Minnesota
Minimum wage: $10.85
Minnesota’s wealth is often tied to corporate headquarters, healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing. High earners tend to live in Minneapolis–St. Paul suburbs or scenic lake communities, enjoying strong public services, education, and outdoor recreation. Stable industries and higher wages support comfortable, family-oriented lifestyles.

For lower-income Minnesotans, common jobs include retail, food service, cleaning, and home care. Cold winters raise heating and transportation costs, stretching tight budgets. Even with a higher minimum wage, housing and childcare expenses can consume much of a paycheck for working families.
