Cloud Architect · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cloud Architect Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cloud Architects in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$162,000 vs $147,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$100,000 vs $90,741
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$92,400 vs $79,652
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $162,000▲ | $147,000 | +$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,740▲ | $113,190 | +$11,550 |
| 75th Percentile | $207,360▲ | $188,160 | +$19,200 |
| 90th Percentile | $259,200▲ | $235,200 | +$24,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $100,000▲ | $90,741 | +$9,259 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $149,688▲ | $129,037 | +$20,651 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $92,400▲ | $79,652 | +$12,748 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 33,600 | +12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $15,000 more (median: $162,000 vs $147,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($100,000 vs $90,741 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.