Network Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Network Engineer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Network Engineers in Minneapolis, MN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$86,000 vs $95,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$77,477 vs $76,613
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$66,721 vs $70,790
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $86,000 | $95,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,220 | $73,150▲ | -$6,930 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,080 | $121,600▲ | -$11,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,600 | $152,000▲ | -$14,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 124 | -13 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $77,477▲ | $76,613 | +$864 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,060 | $87,780▲ | -$13,720 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $66,721 | $70,790▲ | -$4,069 |
| Total Employment | 33,000 | 57,000 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $9,000 more (median: $86,000 vs $95,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 124), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($77,477 vs $76,613 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.