Chicago vs Northbrook: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Chicago, IL and Northbrook, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Northbrook, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,653▲ | $145,562 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.76▲ | $69.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,505▲ | $87,880 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,307▲ | $113,198 |
| 75th Percentile | $188,186▲ | $180,358 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $227,976▲ | $212,681 |
| Total Employed | 5,400▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Northbrook.
The salary gap between Chicago and Northbrook is $14,091 (9.68%). Chicago's median is +7.27% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $121,471,Northbrook spans $124,801. Northbrook 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, Chicago ($154,113 effective) pays 2.80% more than Northbrook ($149,909 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,653/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($227,976)
- ✓Larger job market (5,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,113)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Northbrook if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Chicago grew 23.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.1% growth in Northbrook over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$125,310 (2019) → $155,304 (2025)
Northbrook, IL
$132,167 (2024) → $141,597 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Northbrook, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Chicago or Northbrook?
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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