Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$80,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$72,072 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$62,066 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $80,000 | $115,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,000 | $88,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,000 | $148,000▲ | -$46,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,000 | $180,000▲ | -$56,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,072▲ | $70,988 | +$1,084 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,893 | $106,260▲ | -$37,367 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $62,066 | $65,593▲ | -$3,527 |
| Total Employment | 30,000 | 32,000 | -2,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $35,000 more (median: $80,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($72,072 vs $70,988 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.