Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs San Francisco, CA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Minneapolis, MN and San Francisco, CA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$120,000 vs $166,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$108,108 vs $89,247
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$93,099 vs $74,795
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | San Francisco, CA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $120,000 | $166,000▲ | -$46,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,400 | $127,820▲ | -$35,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,600 | $212,480▲ | -$58,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,000 | $265,600▲ | -$73,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 186 | -75 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8%▲ | 9.3% | -2.500000000000001% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $108,108▲ | $89,247 | +$18,861 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,340 | $139,119▲ | -$35,779 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,099▲ | $74,795 | +$18,304 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 41,600 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus San Francisco, CA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $46,000 more (median: $120,000 vs $166,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 186), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($108,108 vs $89,247 equivalent). Minneapolis, MN has the lower state tax rate (6.8% vs 9.3%).
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.