Find a Job You Really Want In
When you think of Minnesota, you might picture breathtaking outdoor trails, delightful local cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, it’s also home to a robust economy with a job market that continues to evolve and strengthen.
At Zippia, we delve into local economies to uncover the job sectors that are thriving. This insight is invaluable for job seekers and those considering relocating for work, as it helps set realistic expectations.
In this article, we highlight the best industries to pursue employment in Minnesota as of 2026.
After analyzing the latest data, we present the top five industries for jobs in Minnesota:
Continue reading to discover how we identified these leading industries.
For additional insights into the Minnesota job landscape, check out:
- The 100 Highest Paying Jobs in Minneapolis
- The 10 Best Small Companies to Work For in Minneapolis
- The 10 Best Places in Minnesota to Find a Job
How We Identified the Best Industries for Jobs in Minnesota
We trust that data speaks volumes, often more than individual opinions. Our objective was to gather comprehensive data on the Minnesota job market.
We evaluated the following criteria to determine the top industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Level of Jobs in the Industry
Our data sources include the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Stress levels were assessed using self-reported statistics from professionals in each industry. We ranked industries on a scale of 1 to 22, where 1 represents the best.
Finally, we averaged the rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, with Management emerging as the top industry in Minnesota.
For detailed data, please refer to the table at the end of this article. Now, let’s explore why these industries stand out for job seekers.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Minnesota
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Management | $114,670 |
| 2 | Architecture and Engineering | $78,790 |
| 3 | Computer and Mathematical | $84,960 |
| 4 | Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $81,570 |
| 5 | Business and Financial Operations | $71,420 |
| 6 | Education, Training, and Library | $53,990 |
| 7 | Production and Manufacturing | $38,240 |
| 8 | Community and Social Services | $46,160 |
| 9 | Life, Physical, and Social Science | $69,340 |
| 10 | Legal | $101,760 |
| 11 | Office and Administrative Support | $39,070 |
| 12 | Personal Care and Service | $26,600 |
| 13 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $51,120 |
| 14 | Sales | $43,280 |
| 15 | Transportation | $38,050 |
| 16 | Construction and Extraction | $56,040 |
| 17 | Healthcare Support | $32,730 |
| 18 | Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $48,050 |
| 19 | Food Preparation and Serving Related | $23,910 |
| 20 | Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $30,510 |
| 21 | Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $33,860 |
| 22 | Protective Service | $45,800 |
Conclusion: The Top Industries in Minnesota
In summary, Management remains the leading industry for job seekers in Minnesota in 2026, offering competitive salaries and ample opportunities.
Conversely, the Protective Service industry ranks lower, primarily due to limited job availability and lower wages.
For further reading, check out these articles:
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
