Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: El Paso, TX vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in El Paso, TX and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$84,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$98,824 vs $107,258
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$91,313 vs $99,106
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $133,000▲ | -$49,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $102,410▲ | -$37,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $170,240▲ | -$62,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $212,800▲ | -$78,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 124 | -39 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $98,824 | $107,258▲ | -$8,434 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $77,616 | $122,892▲ | -$45,276 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $91,313 | $99,106▲ | -$7,793 |
| Total Employment | 4,800 | 30,400 | -25,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = El Paso, TX minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $49,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 85 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($98,824 vs $107,258 equivalent). El Paso, 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.