Madison vs Superior: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Madison, WI and Superior, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Superior, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $150,426▲ | $137,104 |
| Hourly Rate | $72.32▲ | $65.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,379▲ | $87,351 |
| 25th Percentile | $126,612▲ | $109,896 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,299▲ | $172,952 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,925▲ | $205,878 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Superior.
The salary gap between Madison and Superior is $13,322 (9.72%). Madison's median is +1.07% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $110,546,Superior spans $118,527. Superior 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, Madison ($154,621 effective) pays 5.33% more than Superior ($146,792 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($150,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($207,925)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,621)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Superior if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Madison grew 50.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.3% growth in Superior over the same period.
Madison, WI
$97,430 (2019) → $146,329 (2025)
Superior, WI
$109,031 (2024) → $133,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Superior, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Madison or Superior?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Superior?
Should I relocate from Madison to Superior as a cloud architect?
What do entry-level cloud architects earn in Madison vs Superior?
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