Hampton vs Virginia Beach: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Hampton, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hampton, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,787▲ | $123,270 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.40▲ | $59.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,157 | $86,233▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $101,844▲ | $100,699 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,128▲ | $155,145 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,784▲ | $191,894 |
| Total Employed | 24 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Hampton, VA offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Virginia Beach.
The salary gap between Hampton and Virginia Beach is $6,517 (5.29%). Hampton's median is -12.79% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hampton spans $121,627,Virginia Beach spans $105,661. Hampton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Virginia Beach ($125,861 effective) pays 0.08% more than Hampton ($125,763 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hampton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,787/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($200,784)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $125,861)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Hampton grew -18.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Hampton, VA
$154,628 (2024) → $126,252 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$103,690 (2019) → $119,912 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hampton, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Hampton or Virginia Beach?
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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