Seattle vs Kennewick: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Seattle, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $191,683▲ | $156,821 |
| Hourly Rate | $92.16▲ | $75.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,229 | $115,377▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $148,217▲ | $128,488 |
| 75th Percentile | $231,841▲ | $193,348 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $270,443▲ | $213,444 |
| Total Employed | 3,710▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Seattle and Kennewick is $34,862 (22.23%). Seattle's median is +28.79% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $166,214,Kennewick spans $98,067. Seattle 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, Seattle ($172,481 effective) pays 10.07% more than Kennewick ($156,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($191,683/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($270,443)
- ✓Larger job market (3,710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $172,481)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Seattle grew 40.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 52.7% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$132,340 (2019) → $186,462 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$99,880 (2019) → $152,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Seattle or Kennewick?
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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