Knoxville vs Murfreesboro: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Knoxville, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,431 | $141,087▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.71 | $67.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,631▲ | $84,561 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,161 | $109,584▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $146,096 | $180,591▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,315 | $216,330▲ |
| Total Employed | 480▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Murfreesboro, TN offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Murfreesboro is $10,656 (8.17%). Murfreesboro's median is -5.20% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $91,684,Murfreesboro spans $131,769. Murfreesboro 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, Murfreesboro ($153,690 effective) pays 9.08% more than Knoxville ($140,901 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($141,087/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($216,330)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,690)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Knoxville grew 34.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.0% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$94,480 (2019) → $126,878 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$104,736 (2024) → $137,244 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Knoxville or Murfreesboro?
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Related Comparisons
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