Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$119,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$115,534 vs $107,258
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$101,950 vs $99,106
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $119,000 | $133,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,630 | $102,410▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,320 | $170,240▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 | $212,800▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,534▲ | $107,258 | +$8,276 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,008 | $122,892▲ | -$17,884 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $101,950▲ | $99,106 | +$2,844 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 30,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $14,000 more (median: $119,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($115,534 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.