Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Minneapolis, MN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$118,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$106,306 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$91,548 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $118,000 | $132,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,000 | $100,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,000 | $172,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $191,000 | $215,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 124 | -13 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,306 | $106,452▲ | -$146 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $101,618 | $121,968▲ | -$20,350 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $91,548 | $98,361▲ | -$6,813 |
| Total Employment | 7,000 | 12,000 | -5,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $118,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($106,306 vs $106,452 equivalent). Austin, TX has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.