Pulse development · 2 cited sources · September 11, 2026
Minnesota’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board Set Minimum Wages
Minnesota’s wage standards are paid for through nursing home reimbursement rates.
The board had set minimum wages and employment standards, and many nursing-home employees were scheduled to receive pay raises in September. The industry groups said they disagreed with the ruling and signaled another appeal was likely.
As of Sept. 10, 2026, Minnesota’s minimum wage for a general nursing home worker is $19.00 an hour; the minimum is $22.50 an hour for a certified nursing assistant, $23.50 an hour for a trained medication aide, and $27.00 an hour for a licensed practical nurse. The state says the standards follow CMS approval of the State Plan Amendment on Aug. 11, 2026.
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry Commissioner Kate Perushek said the increases are intended to support worker retention and care quality. Jamie Gulley, chair of the board, said about 76% of certified nursing assistants will get a raise, and that the average food service worker will receive a $1.51 increase today and another $1.50 on Jan. 1, 2027. Those are stated expectations and pay changes, not reported retention or care outcomes.
Evidence
Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.
- Minnesota’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board adopted wage standards.
- Minnesota’s wage standards are paid for through nursing home reimbursement rates.
- Minnesota’s minimum wage for a general nursing home worker is $19.00 an hour as of Sept. 10, 2026.
- Minnesota’s minimum wage for a certified nursing assistant is $22.50 an hour as of Sept. 10, 2026.
- Minnesota’s minimum wage for a trained medication aide is $23.50 an hour as of Sept. 10, 2026.
- Minnesota’s minimum wage for a licensed practical nurse is $27.00 an hour as of Sept. 10, 2026.
- CMS approved Minnesota’s State Plan Amendment on Aug. 11, 2026.
- Kate Perushek said the wage increases are intended to support worker retention and care quality.
- Jamie Gulley said about 76% of certified nursing assistants will get a raise.
- Jamie Gulley said the average food service worker will receive a $1.51 increase today.
- Jamie Gulley said the average food service worker will receive another $1.50 on Jan. 1, 2027.
- Minnesota’s Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board set minimum wages and employment standards.
- Many Minnesota nursing-home employees were scheduled to receive pay raises in September.
- LeadingAge Minnesota and Care Providers of Minnesota disagreed with the ruling and indicated that another appeal was likely.
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