Portsmouth vs Virginia Beach: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,724▲ | $123,270 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.45▲ | $59.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,750 | $86,233▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,887 | $100,699▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,963▲ | $155,145 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $187,366 | $191,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 920▲ |
Verdict
Portsmouth and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall cloud architect compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Virginia Beach is $2,454 (1.99%). Portsmouth's median is -15.52% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $111,616,Virginia Beach spans $105,661. Portsmouth 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 3.31% more than Portsmouth ($121,826 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,724/year)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($191,894)
- ✓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 Portsmouth grew -18.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$149,789 (2024) → $122,300 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$103,690 (2019) → $119,912 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays cloud architects more: Portsmouth or Virginia Beach?
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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