UX Designer · Salary Comparison · 2026
UX Designer Salary: Minneapolis, MN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for UX Designers in Minneapolis, MN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$95,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$85,586 vs $79,012
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Minneapolis, MN
$73,704 vs $73,007
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $95,000 | $128,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,150 | $98,560▲ | -$25,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $121,600 | $163,840▲ | -$42,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $204,800▲ | -$52,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 162 | -51 |
| State Income Tax | 6.8% | 0%▲ | +6.8% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,586▲ | $79,012 | +$6,574 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $81,811 | $118,272▲ | -$36,461 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $73,704▲ | $73,007 | +$697 |
| 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 $33,000 more (median: $95,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 111 vs 162), Minneapolis, MN provides better purchasing power ($85,586 vs $79,012 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.