HVAC Technician · Salary Comparison · 2026
HVAC Technician Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for HVAC Technicians in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$57,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$51,351 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$44,223 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $57,000 | $77,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,890 | $59,290▲ | -$15,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,960 | $98,560▲ | -$25,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,200 | $123,200▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $51,351▲ | $47,531 | +$3,820 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $49,087 | $71,148▲ | -$22,061 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $44,223▲ | $43,919 | +$304 |
| Total Employment | 55,000 | 145,000 | -90,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $20,000 more (median: $57,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($51,351 vs $47,531 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.