Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Denver, CO vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Denver, CO and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$128,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$100,000 vs $107,258
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$88,334 vs $99,106
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $128,000 | $133,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,560 | $102,410▲ | -$3,850 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,840 | $170,240▲ | -$6,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $204,800 | $212,800▲ | -$8,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 124 | +4 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $100,000 | $107,258▲ | -$7,258 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $113,068 | $122,892▲ | -$9,824 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $88,334 | $99,106▲ | -$10,772 |
| Total Employment | 22,400 | 30,400 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $5,000 more (median: $128,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($100,000 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.