The Nursing Home Workforce Standard Board in Minnesota voted to raise the minimum wage for nursing home workers to an average of $23.49 and guarantee 11 paid holidays, the Minnesota Reformer reported April 29.
The board, one of the first of its kind in the country, consists of nine members: three worker representatives, three state government officials and three industry leaders.
The board proposed that by Jan. 1, 2027, nursing home workers will earn at least the following:
- Certified nursing assistants: $24 per hour
- Trained medication aides: $25 per hour
- Licensed practical nurses: $28.50
- All other workers, including subcontractors: $20.50 per hour
The first pay bump is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2026, when the average minimum will rise to $22 per hour. The higher wages will mostly be covered by the government via Minnesota's Medicaid program called Medical Assistance.
The proposal was approved by worker and government representatives, but the nursing home industry representatives abstained, according to the report.
The minimum wage rule must be finalized, submitted for public comment and reapproved by the board.