Bloomington vs Chicago: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Bloomington, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $179,614▲ | $159,653 |
| Hourly Rate | $86.35▲ | $76.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,437▲ | $106,505 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,152 | $133,307▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $223,991▲ | $188,186 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $225,911 | $227,976▲ |
| Total Employed | 240 | 5,400▲ |
Verdict
Bloomington and Chicago are closely matched on overall cloud architect compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Chicago is $19,961 (12.50%). Bloomington's median is +20.69% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $116,474,Chicago spans $121,471. Chicago 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, Bloomington ($192,025 effective) pays 24.60% more than Chicago ($154,113 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($179,614/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $192,025)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,976)
- ✓Larger job market (5,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Bloomington grew 29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.9% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Bloomington, IL
$135,380 (2019) → $174,722 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$125,310 (2019) → $155,304 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IL
Chicago, IL
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