Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Memphis, TN vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Memphis, TN and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$90,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$108,434 vs $107,258
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$100,193 vs $99,106
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $133,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,300 | $102,410▲ | -$33,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,200 | $170,240▲ | -$55,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,000 | $212,800▲ | -$68,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 124 | -41 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $108,434▲ | $107,258 | +$1,176 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $83,160 | $122,892▲ | -$39,732 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $100,193▲ | $99,106 | +$1,087 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 30,400 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $43,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 124), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($108,434 vs $107,258 equivalent). Memphis, TN 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.