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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Official data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a detailed picture of how employment levels and average wages have shifted across Minnesota's counties in the most recent reporting year. The statistics reveal varied trends between counties—both large and small—in terms of job counts and pay levels.
Between March 2025 and March 2026, total employment in Minnesota decreased by 0.3%, amounting to 2,878,100 covered jobs. This statewide decline is mirrored in six of the eight largest counties. Ramsey County experienced the largest employment drop at -1.6%, followed by Dakota (-1.2%), Hennepin (-1.1%), Stearns (-0.8%), St. Louis (-0.7%), and Washington (-0.1%). Anoka's employment remained unchanged, while Olmsted grew slightly by 0.6%.
Hennepin County stands out with the state's highest employment level, reporting 899,500 jobs in March 2026. Collectively, the eight largest counties account for 66.4% of all covered employment in Minnesota. These counties are classified as large due to their annual average employment exceeding 75,000 in 2025.
Trends in wages show positive movement, despite the employment decline. The average weekly wage statewide rose 3.8% year-over-year to $1,630. Four of the eight largest counties saw wage gains above the U.S. average of 3.9%, with Olmsted leading with a 13.8% increase. Other large counties recorded wage increases: Anoka (5.4%), Hennepin (4.3%), Ramsey (4.0%), St. Louis (3.2%), Washington (2.9%), Stearns (2.5%), and Dakota (0.7%).
Wage levels differ markedly between counties. The highest weekly wages among large counties were in Hennepin ($2,065), Ramsey ($1,751), and Olmsted ($1,743), each above the national average of $1,654. Among Minnesota's 79 smaller counties, none exceeded the national average; Roseau topped this group with an average weekly wage of $1,635, while Lincoln was the lowest at $869.
The distribution of wages reveals further disparities: 19 counties saw average weekly wages under $1,000, another 15 fell between $1,000 and $1,074, and just 16 counties reported wages at $1,225 or higher.
In summary, the latest official data show slight overall declines in employment across Minnesota's largest counties, but widespread wage growth—particularly notable in Olmsted County—suggests evolving local economic dynamics. These granular statistics serve as a foundation for further research and policy deliberation on regional labor market trends.
For complete county-level tables and visualizations, refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics news release.
