Denver vs Aurora: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Denver, CO and Aurora, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Aurora, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,578▲ | $151,184 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.32▲ | $72.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,184▲ | $87,686 |
| 25th Percentile | $137,892▲ | $114,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $187,098 | $193,469▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,010 | $234,335▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,260▲ | 54 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aurora.
The salary gap between Denver and Aurora is $3,394 (2.24%). Denver's median is +3.86% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $123,826,Aurora spans $146,649. Aurora 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, Denver ($146,129 effective) pays 1.49% more than Aurora ($143,985 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,578/year)
- ✓Larger job market (10,260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,129)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($234,335)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Denver grew 21.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.6% growth in Aurora over the same period.
Denver, CO
$123,670 (2019) → $150,368 (2025)
Aurora, CO
$150,960 (2024) → $147,066 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Aurora, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Denver or Aurora?
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Should I relocate from Denver to Aurora as a cloud architect?
What do entry-level cloud architects earn in Denver vs Aurora?
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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