Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$108,434 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$100,193 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $162,000▲ | -$72,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,300 | $124,740▲ | -$55,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,200 | $207,360▲ | -$92,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $144,000 | $259,200▲ | -$115,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $108,434▲ | $100,000 | +$8,434 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $83,160 | $149,688▲ | -$66,528 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $100,193▲ | $92,400 | +$7,793 |
| Total Employment | 6,400 | 46,400 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $72,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($108,434 vs $100,000 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.