Network Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Network Engineer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Network Engineers in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$86,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$77,477 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$66,721 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $86,000 | $116,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,220 | $89,320▲ | -$23,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,080 | $148,480▲ | -$38,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $137,600 | $185,600▲ | -$48,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $77,477▲ | $71,605 | +$5,872 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,060 | $107,184▲ | -$33,124 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $66,721▲ | $66,163 | +$558 |
| Total Employment | 33,000 | 87,000 | -54,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $30,000 more (median: $86,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($77,477 vs $71,605 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.