Annandale vs Virginia Beach: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Annandale, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Annandale, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $123,276▲ | $123,270 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.26 | $59.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,328 | $86,233▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,561 | $100,699▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $154,296 | $155,145▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $183,122 | $191,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Annandale.
The salary gap between Annandale and Virginia Beach is $6 (0.00%). Annandale's median is -17.17% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Annandale spans $106,794,Virginia Beach spans $105,661. Annandale has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($125,861 effective) pays 5.36% more than Annandale ($119,453 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Annandale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($123,276/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,894)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,861)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Annandale grew -18.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Annandale, VA
$146,871 (2024) → $119,918 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$103,690 (2019) → $119,912 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Annandale, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Annandale or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Annandale and Virginia Beach?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MS
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in cloud architecture. She specializes in cloud security and compliance. She works in a technology consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.80% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MS, a licensed cloud architect with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov