Salary & Cost of Living in Moorhead, MN
Moorhead, MN: $52,783 median salary, cost of living index 92.7, $10.85/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$52,783
$25/hr
Cost of Living
92.7
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$10.85
per hour
Unemployment
3.3%
rate
Moorhead, MN Overview
Population
44,505
Median Salary
$52,783
Average Salary
$59,117
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$313,000
Median Rent
$1,274/mo
Job Growth
+1.9%
Sales Tax
6.875%
Moorhead is located in Minnesota with a population of 44,505. The median household salary is $52,783 per year ($25/hour), which is $6,601 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.9%.
Moorhead Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Moorhead, MN based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $52,783 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $32,725 | $15.74/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $52,783 | $25.38/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $74,952 | $36.04/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $93,954 | $45.18/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Moorhead Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Moorhead, MN, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$40,306
$3,358.85/month · $1,550.24/biweekly · Effective Rate: 23.6%
Gross Pay
$52,783
Federal Tax
-$4,295
State Tax
-$4,143
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,038
Net Pay
$40,306
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,398.58 | $52,783.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$357.96 | -$4,295.46 |
| Minnesota State Tax (7.85%) | -$345.29 | -$4,143.47 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$272.71 | -$3,272.55 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$63.78 | -$765.35 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,358.85 | $40,306.18 |
Salary Comparison: Moorhead vs Other Cities
See how Moorhead's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moorhead, MN | $52,783 | 92.7 | $56,940 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Waipahu, HI | $52,771 | 182.5 | $28,916 |
| Birmingham, AL | $52,800 | 92 | $57,391 |
| Clinton Township, MI | $52,802 | 96.2 | $54,888 |
| Dover, NH | $52,761 | 112.2 | $47,024 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Moorhead
Moorhead's cost of living index is 92.7 (national average = 100). Living in Moorhead is 7.299999999999997% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$313,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,274
Annual Rent Cost
$15,288
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $40,306 annual take-home pay in Moorhead has the purchasing power of approximately $43,480 in an average-cost US area. Your $52,783 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Moorhead
Moorhead's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $52,783.
Salary Tips for Moorhead Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 7.85% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Moorhead's top industries include Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $52,783 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Moorhead, MN?
The median salary in Moorhead, MN is $52,783 per year, or $25 per hour. The average salary is $59,117. This is $6,601 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Moorhead, MN?
Moorhead's cost of living index is 92.7 (national average = 100), meaning it is 7.299999999999997% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $313,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,274.
What are the best industries in Moorhead?
The top industries in Moorhead, MN include Healthcare, Finance, Manufacturing. The city has a job growth rate of 1.9% and an unemployment rate of 3.3%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $52,783.
How does Moorhead's salary compare to other cities?
Moorhead's median salary of $52,783 is 11.1% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 92.7), the real purchasing power is approximately $56,940.
What is the minimum wage in Moorhead, MN?
The minimum wage in Moorhead, MN is $10.85 per hour. This equals approximately $22,568 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $3.60 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.