Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$126,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$113,514 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$97,754 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $126,000 | $170,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,000 | $130,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,000 | $218,000▲ | -$55,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $202,000 | $270,000▲ | -$68,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $113,514▲ | $104,938 | +$8,576 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $108,507 | $157,080▲ | -$48,573 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $97,754▲ | $96,963 | +$791 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 58,000 | -36,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $44,000 more (median: $126,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($113,514 vs $104,938 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.