Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$119,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$115,534 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$101,950 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $119,000 | $162,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,630 | $124,740▲ | -$33,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,320 | $207,360▲ | -$55,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 | $259,200▲ | -$68,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,534▲ | $100,000 | +$15,534 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $105,008 | $149,688▲ | -$44,680 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $101,950▲ | $92,400 | +$9,550 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 46,400 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $43,000 more (median: $119,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($115,534 vs $100,000 equivalent). Seattle, WA 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.