Raleigh vs Wilmington: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,939▲ | $126,822 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.39▲ | $60.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,757 | $82,935▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $109,326 | $111,013▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,943▲ | $148,705 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $193,082▲ | $189,495 |
| Total Employed | 2,190▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $7,117 (5.61%). Raleigh's median is -10.00% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $110,325,Wilmington spans $106,560. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($136,454 effective) pays 3.75% more than Wilmington ($131,528 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,939/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($193,082)
- ✓Larger job market (2,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,454)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Raleigh grew 27.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 62.5% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$102,610 (2019) → $130,291 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$75,930 (2019) → $123,368 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
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