Columbus vs Pooler: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Columbus, GA and Pooler, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, GA | Pooler, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,312▲ | $135,037 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.46▲ | $64.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,337▲ | $78,321 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,856▲ | $110,503 |
| 75th Percentile | $151,759 | $164,765▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,392 | $192,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Columbus, GA offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pooler.
The salary gap between Columbus and Pooler is $5,275 (3.91%). Columbus's median is -5.72% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $99,055,Pooler spans $114,622. Pooler 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, Columbus ($157,131 effective) pays 8.33% more than Pooler ($145,045 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($140,312/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $157,131)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Pooler if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($192,943)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Columbus grew 20.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.9% growth in Pooler over the same period.
Columbus, GA
$113,140 (2019) → $136,490 (2025)
Pooler, GA
$119,564 (2024) → $131,359 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, GA
Pooler, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Columbus or Pooler?
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Should I relocate from Columbus to Pooler as a cloud architect?
What do entry-level cloud architects earn in Columbus vs Pooler?
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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