Chico vs San Francisco: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Chico, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,282 | $185,144▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.89 | $89.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,603 | $134,517▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,705 | $142,877▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,010 | $235,082▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,754 | $268,845▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 3,350▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and San Francisco is $41,862 (29.22%). San Francisco's median is +24.40% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $134,151,San Francisco spans $134,328. San Francisco has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced cloud architects.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Francisco ($160,141 effective) pays 26.41% more than Chico ($126,686 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($185,144/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($268,845)
- ✓Larger job market (3,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,141)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Chico grew 105.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Chico, CA
$67,880 (2019) → $139,379 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$140,140 (2019) → $180,101 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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