Fridley vs St. Cloud: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Fridley, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fridley, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,164 | $157,161▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $72.20 | $75.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,897▲ | $91,153 |
| 25th Percentile | $118,783 | $127,131▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $187,893 | $195,049▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $222,971 | $242,262▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 12▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fridley.
The salary gap between Fridley and St. Cloud is $6,997 (4.66%). St. Cloud's median is +5.60% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fridley spans $130,074,St. Cloud spans $151,109. St. Cloud 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, St. Cloud ($159,554 effective) pays 4.66% more than Fridley ($152,451 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fridley if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,161/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($242,262)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,554)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Fridley grew 13.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 54.3% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Fridley, MN
$128,925 (2024) → $146,074 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$99,060 (2020) → $152,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fridley, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Fridley or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fridley and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Fridley to St. Cloud as a cloud architect?
What do entry-level cloud architects earn in Fridley vs St. Cloud?
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