Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$106,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$116,484 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$103,336 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $106,000 | $162,000▲ | -$56,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,620 | $124,740▲ | -$43,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,680 | $207,360▲ | -$71,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $169,600 | $259,200▲ | -$89,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $116,484▲ | $100,000 | +$16,484 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,036 | $149,688▲ | -$55,652 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $103,336▲ | $92,400 | +$10,936 |
| Total Employment | 12,800 | 46,400 | -33,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $56,000 more (median: $106,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($116,484 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.