The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry secured over $4.2 million for workers following wage theft investigations in a single year. Its annual statistics detail enforcement actions across workplace safety, licensing, and apprenticeship programs.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) received 4,350 calls in FY 2023 through the Wage Theft Prevention Hotline
- The Wage Theft Prevention Hotline received 4,350 calls in FY 2023 (annual report)
- DLI Investigations opened 1,018 cases in FY 2023
- DLI collected $1,356,000 in unemployment insurance coverage verification payments in FY 2023
- DLI Occupational Safety and Health performed 2,713 inspections in FY 2023
- DLI Occupational Safety and Health conducted 1,029 complaint inspections in FY 2023
- Minnesota DLI’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Program inspected 10,742 boilers in 2023
- Minnesota DLI’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Program inspected 1,116 pressure vessels in 2023
- Minnesota DLI issued 2,430 welder certifications in 2023
- Minnesota DLI’s Apprenticeship program had 12,400 registered apprentices in 2023
- Minnesota DLI’s Apprenticeship program had 740 active apprenticeship programs in 2023
- Minnesota DLI registered 1,120 new apprentices in 2023
In 2023, Minnesota DLI advanced worker protection with millions collected, thousands of inspections, and thousands of claims resolved.
Related reading
01 · Category
Labor Standards & Wage Theft Prevention19 stats
01
Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) received 4,350 calls in FY 2023 through the Wage Theft Prevention Hotlinehttps://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
02
The Wage Theft Prevention Hotline received 4,350 calls in FY 2023 (annual report)https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
03
DLI Investigations opened 1,018 cases in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
04
DLI secured $4,262,623in payments for workers as a result of wage enforcement in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
05
DLI recovered $4,262,623in wage payments in FY 2023 (Wage Theft Prevention Hotline report)https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
06
DLI issued 1,223 administrative penalties in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
07
DLI obtained compliance resolutions in 952 cases in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
08
DLI referred 178 cases to other agencies in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/wage-theft-prevention-hotline-annual-report-fy23.pdf
09
Minnesota DLI’s Labor Standards Division collected $5,700,000in wages owed via enforcement in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
10
DLI Labor Standards handled 11,600 wage claims in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
11
DLI Labor Standards resolved 9,200 wage claims in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
12
DLI Labor Standards returned 2,400 wage claims for additional documentation in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
13
DLI Labor Standards issued 610 prevailing wage determinations in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
14
DLI Labor Standards performed 1,250 compliance checks for wage-related laws in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
15
DLI Labor Standards assessed 340 administrative penalties for wage violations in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
16
DLI Labor Standards referred 240 matters to prosecuting attorneys in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
17
Minnesota DLI’s Fair Labor Standards program issued 3,100 wage order notices in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
18
Minnesota DLI’s Labor Standards Division achieved a 79% case closure rate in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
19
Minnesota DLI’s Labor Standards Division averaged 41 days to close wage claims in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/labor-standards-annual-report-2023.pdf
Interpretation
Labor Standards & Wage Theft Prevention Interpretation
In FY 2023, Minnesota DLI fielded 4,350 calls, opened 1,018 wage theft cases, and delivered $4.26 million back to workers, while also resolving most wage claims with a 79% closure rate in about 41 days, issuing thousands of notices and penalties, referring cases for prosecution when needed, and still leaving only a few matters waiting on extra documentation because bureaucracy, like wage theft, does not pay.
02 · Category
Workplace Safety & OSHA11 stats
01
DLI collected $1,356,000in unemployment insurance coverage verification payments in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
02
DLI Occupational Safety and Health performed 2,713 inspections in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
03
DLI Occupational Safety and Health conducted 1,029 complaint inspections in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
04
DLI Occupational Safety and Health conducted 154 fatality inspections in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
05
DLI Occupational Safety and Health conducted 215 serious injury inspections in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
06
DLI Occupational Safety and Health issued 6,874 citations in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
07
DLI Occupational Safety and Health issued $2,415,000in proposed penalties in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
08
DLI Occupational Safety and Health issued 412 repeat citations in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
09
DLI Occupational Safety and Health conducted 85 health inspections in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
10
DLI Occupational Safety and Health performed 1,280 follow-up inspections in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
11
DLI Occupational Safety and Health conducted 274 programmed inspections in FY 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/annual-report/occupational-safety-and-health-annual-report-fy23.pdf
Interpretation
Workplace Safety & OSHA Interpretation
In FY 2023, Minnesota’s Department of Labor and Industry showed it can both count the cost and chase the cause, verifying $1,356,000 in unemployment insurance coverage while backstopping workplaces with 2,713 inspections, 6,874 citations, $2,415,000 in proposed penalties, and targeted follow ups for the repeat offenses, serious injuries, and even fatalities.
03 · Category
Licensing & Industry Regulation16 stats
01
Minnesota DLI’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Program inspected 10,742 boilers in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/boiler-pressure-vessel-safety-2023-annual-report.pdf
02
Minnesota DLI’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Safety Program inspected 1,116 pressure vessels in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/boiler-pressure-vessel-safety-2023-annual-report.pdf
03
Minnesota DLI issued 2,430 welder certifications in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/boiler-pressure-vessel-safety-2023-annual-report.pdf
04
Minnesota DLI’s Elevator Safety Program conducted 1,920 elevator inspections in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/elevator-safety-2023-annual-report.pdf
05
Minnesota DLI’s Elevator Safety Program received 312 elevator complaint reports in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/elevator-safety-2023-annual-report.pdf
06
Minnesota DLI’s Elevator Safety Program issued 47 elevator violation notices in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/elevator-safety-2023-annual-report.pdf
07
Minnesota DLI’s Manufactured Home Program registered 21,468 manufactured homes in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/manufactured-home-program-2023-annual-report.pdf
08
Minnesota DLI licensed 8,215 licensed contractors statewide as of Dec. 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/licensing-division-annual-report-2023.pdf
09
Minnesota DLI processed 132,500 construction-related permit applications in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/building-code-division-annual-report-2023.pdf
10
Minnesota DLI approved 1,240 building plan reviews in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/building-code-division-annual-report-2023.pdf
11
Minnesota DLI issued 18,600 licenses for health-related occupations in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/professional-licensing-division-annual-report-2023.pdf
12
Minnesota DLI received 3,850 complaints regarding licensed occupations in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/professional-licensing-division-annual-report-2023.pdf
13
Minnesota DLI assessed $1,980,000in civil penalties in 2023 (licensing enforcement)https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/professional-licensing-division-annual-report-2023.pdf
14
Minnesota DLI’s Residential Contractor program issued 2,340 new registrations in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/residential-contractor-annual-report-2023.pdf
15
Minnesota DLI’s Unlicensed Contractor program processed 1,120 compliance cases in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/residential-contractor-annual-report-2023.pdf
16
Minnesota DLI’s Construction Codes & Licensing processed 95,300 license renewals in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/licensing-division-annual-report-2023.pdf
Interpretation
Licensing & Industry Regulation Interpretation
In 2023, Minnesota DLI put thousands of safety and licensing checks into motion, from inspecting boilers, pressure vessels, and elevators to licensing workers and processing permit and renewal paperwork, and then enforcing the rules with more than $1.98 million in civil penalties when necessary.
04 · Category
Apprenticeship & Workforce Development20 stats
01
Minnesota DLI’s Apprenticeship program had 12,400 registered apprentices in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
02
Minnesota DLI’s Apprenticeship program had 740 active apprenticeship programs in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
03
Minnesota DLI registered 1,120 new apprentices in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
04
Minnesota DLI completed 1,050 apprentices in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
05
Minnesota DLI approved 84 new apprenticeship sponsors in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
06
Minnesota DLI conducted 220 apprenticeship compliance reviews in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
07
Minnesota DLI validated 1,760 apprenticeship-related training records in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
08
Minnesota DLI approved 35 apprenticeship agreements in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
09
Minnesota DLI provided 190 outreach and technical assistance events in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
10
Minnesota DLI’s Apprenticeship program awarded 420 grants or funding agreements in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/apprenticeship-annual-report-2023.pdf
11
Minnesota DLI had 58 workforce development industry partnerships in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
12
Minnesota DLI funded 12 workforce development projects in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
13
Minnesota DLI invested $3,200,000in workforce development projects in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
14
Minnesota DLI leveraged $6,800,000in matching funds for workforce development in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
15
Minnesota DLI coordinated 410 employer engagements for workforce development in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
16
Minnesota DLI delivered 85 training sessions to workforce stakeholders in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
17
Minnesota DLI developed 25 curriculum or training modules in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
18
Minnesota DLI trained 2,900 participants via workforce development programs in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
19
Minnesota DLI supported 95 participant job placements in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
20
Minnesota DLI reported a 73% retention rate for workforce development participants in 2023https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/workforce-development-annual-report-2023.pdf
Interpretation
Apprenticeship & Workforce Development Interpretation
In 2023, Minnesota’s Department of Labor and Industry essentially turned apprenticeship and workforce development into a well run engine, growing 12,400 registered apprentices with new sponsors and compliance checks, while also awarding grants, delivering technical support and training, and backing workforce projects with real dollars and results, including a 73% retention rate and 95 job placements.
Reference
Cite This Report
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APA
Diana Reeves. (2026, February 13). Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/minnesota-department-of-labor-and-industry-statistics
MLA
Diana Reeves. "Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/minnesota-department-of-labor-and-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Diana Reeves. 2026. "Minnesota Department Of Labor And Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/minnesota-department-of-labor-and-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
12 datasets cited across this report
+11 additional datasets cited (not shown individually)