UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Minneapolis, MN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$95,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$85,586 vs $84,677
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$73,704 vs $78,242
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $105,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,150 | $80,850▲ | -$7,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,600 | $134,400▲ | -$12,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $168,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 124 | -13 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,586▲ | $84,677 | +$909 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $81,811 | $97,020▲ | -$15,209 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,704 | $78,242▲ | -$4,538 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 30,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Minneapolis, MN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $10,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 124), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($85,586 vs $84,677 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.