Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$120,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$108,108 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$93,099 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $120,000 | $162,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,400 | $124,740▲ | -$32,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,600 | $207,360▲ | -$53,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $192,000 | $259,200▲ | -$67,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $108,108▲ | $100,000 | +$8,108 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,340 | $149,688▲ | -$46,348 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,099▲ | $92,400 | +$699 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 46,400 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $120,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($108,108 vs $100,000 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.