Brentwood vs Sacramento: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Brentwood, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brentwood, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,850 | $156,932▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.68 | $75.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,853 | $87,864▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,820 | $120,417▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,015 | $188,985▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,417 | $223,813▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brentwood.
The salary gap between Brentwood and Sacramento is $14,082 (9.86%). Sacramento's median is +5.45% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brentwood spans $138,564,Sacramento spans $135,949. Brentwood 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, Sacramento ($147,119 effective) pays 16.48% more than Brentwood ($126,304 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Brentwood if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($156,932/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,813)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,119)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Brentwood grew -29.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.4% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Brentwood, CA
$197,427 (2024) → $138,959 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$117,090 (2019) → $152,658 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brentwood, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Brentwood or Sacramento?
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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