Lawyer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Lawyer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Lawyers in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$135,000 vs $168,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$121,622 vs $103,704
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$104,737 vs $95,822
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $135,000 | $168,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,000 | $118,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $184,000 | $228,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $243,000 | $302,000▲ | -$59,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $121,622▲ | $103,704 | +$17,918 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $116,258 | $155,232▲ | -$38,974 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $104,737▲ | $95,822 | +$8,915 |
| Total Employment | 6,000 | 5,000 | +1,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $33,000 more (median: $135,000 vs $168,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($121,622 vs $103,704 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Lawyer City Comparisons
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.