Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: El Paso, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in El Paso, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$84,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$98,824 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$91,313 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | El Paso, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $84,000 | $162,000▲ | -$78,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,680 | $124,740▲ | -$60,060 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,520 | $207,360▲ | -$99,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,400 | $259,200▲ | -$124,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 85 | 162 | -77 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $98,824 | $100,000▲ | -$1,176 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $77,616 | $149,688▲ | -$72,072 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $91,313 | $92,400▲ | -$1,087 |
| Total Employment | 4,800 | 46,400 | -41,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = El Paso, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $78,000 more (median: $84,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 85 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($98,824 vs $100,000 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.