Los Alamos vs Santa Fe: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Los Alamos, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Alamos, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,850 | $153,202▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.23 | $73.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $89,925 | $90,619▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $112,847 | $117,898▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,703 | $193,180▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,949 | $232,091▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 20▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Los Alamos and Santa Fe is $13,352 (9.55%). Santa Fe's median is +2.94% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Alamos spans $112,024,Santa Fe spans $141,472. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($162,290 effective) pays 9.55% more than Los Alamos ($148,146 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($153,202/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,091)
- ✓Larger job market (20 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $162,290)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Los Alamos grew 36.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.8% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Los Alamos, NM
$100,059 (2024) → $136,041 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$97,540 (2019) → $149,029 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Alamos, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Los Alamos or Santa Fe?
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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