Project Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Project Manager Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Project Managers in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$91,000 vs $122,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$81,982 vs $75,309
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$70,600 vs $69,585
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $91,000 | $122,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,070 | $93,940▲ | -$23,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,480 | $156,160▲ | -$39,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $145,600 | $195,200▲ | -$49,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $81,982▲ | $75,309 | +$6,673 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $78,366 | $112,728▲ | -$34,362 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $70,600▲ | $69,585 | +$1,015 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 46,400 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $31,000 more (median: $91,000 vs $122,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($81,982 vs $75,309 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.