Manchester vs Salem: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Manchester, NH and Salem, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Salem, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $118,729 | $168,304▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.07 | $80.91▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,467 | $98,611▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $93,993 | $128,703▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $172,321 | $206,390▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $221,071 | $242,383▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Salem, NH offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Manchester.
The salary gap between Manchester and Salem is $49,575 (41.75%). Salem's median is +13.09% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $137,604,Salem spans $143,772. Salem 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, Salem ($156,854 effective) pays 39.58% more than Manchester ($112,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,304/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($242,383)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,854)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Manchester grew -0.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.8% growth in Salem over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$116,460 (2019) → $115,495 (2025)
Salem, NH
$141,358 (2024) → $163,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Manchester or Salem?
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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