Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Minneapolis, MN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$120,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$108,108 vs $107,258
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$93,099 vs $99,106
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $120,000 | $133,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,400 | $102,410▲ | -$10,010 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,600 | $170,240▲ | -$16,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,000 | $212,800▲ | -$20,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 124 | -13 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $108,108▲ | $107,258 | +$850 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,340 | $122,892▲ | -$19,552 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,099 | $99,106▲ | -$6,007 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 30,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $13,000 more (median: $120,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 124), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($108,108 vs $107,258 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.