Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$147,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,741 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$79,652 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $147,000 | $162,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,190 | $124,740▲ | -$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,160 | $207,360▲ | -$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $235,200 | $259,200▲ | -$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $90,741 | $100,000▲ | -$9,259 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $129,037 | $149,688▲ | -$20,651 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,652 | $92,400▲ | -$12,748 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 46,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $15,000 more (median: $147,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($90,741 vs $100,000 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.