Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Minneapolis, MN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$126,000 vs $140,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$113,514 vs $112,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$97,754 vs $104,323
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $126,000 | $140,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,000 | $108,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,000 | $182,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $202,000 | $225,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 124 | -13 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $113,514▲ | $112,903 | +$611 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $108,507 | $129,360▲ | -$20,853 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $97,754 | $104,323▲ | -$6,569 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 38,000 | -16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $126,000 vs $140,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 124), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($113,514 vs $112,903 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.