Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Atlanta, GA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$119,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$110,185 vs $107,258
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$96,221 vs $99,106
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $119,000 | $133,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,630 | $102,410▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,320 | $170,240▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 | $212,800▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 124 | -16 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $110,185▲ | $107,258 | +$2,927 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,919 | $122,892▲ | -$18,973 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,221 | $99,106▲ | -$2,885 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 30,400 | -6,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $119,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 124), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($110,185 vs $107,258 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.