Salary Comparison
Pipelayers: Elgin vs Minneapolis
Side-by-side salary, take-home pay, cost of living, and lifestyle score.
Elgin, IL
$56,891/yr
Minneapolis, MN
$88,910/yr
Our recommendation: Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis offers $1,752 more per month in disposable income, giving a stronger financial outcome despite comparable pay.
Full Breakdown
Elgin
Minneapolis
Diff (A−B)
Annual Gross Salary
$56,891
$88,910
$32,019
A vs B
Monthly Take-Home
After estimated federal + state taxes
$3,461
$5,409
$1,948
A vs B
Cost of Living Index
Lower is more affordable. US avg = 100
90
97
-7 pts
A vs B
Monthly Living Costs
Housing, food, transport, utilities, healthcare
$2,407
$2,603
$196
A vs B
Monthly Rent
$1,350
$1,480
$130
A vs B
Monthly Disposable
$1,054
$2,806
$1,752
A vs B
Purchasing Power Score
Take-home ÷ living costs. Higher is better
1.44×
2.08×
-0.64×
A vs B
Lifestyle Score
5/10 (Tight)
8/10 (Comfortable)
-3
A vs B
Elgin — Full Details
Minneapolis — Full Details
Salary estimates based on BLS metro data. Cost of living from regional price indices. All figures are estimates; verify with employers before making decisions.