Richmond vs Staunton: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Richmond, VA and Staunton, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Staunton, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,454▲ | $124,576 |
| Hourly Rate | $68.97▲ | $59.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,833▲ | $79,780 |
| 25th Percentile | $113,666▲ | $100,157 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,225▲ | $154,945 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,034▲ | $182,831 |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Staunton.
The salary gap between Richmond and Staunton is $18,878 (15.15%). Richmond's median is -3.61% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $112,201,Staunton spans $103,051. Richmond 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, Richmond ($146,594 effective) pays 21.44% more than Staunton ($120,713 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,034)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,594)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Staunton if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Richmond grew 24.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.8% growth in Staunton over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$112,010 (2019) → $139,547 (2025)
Staunton, VA
$82,540 (2021) → $121,183 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Staunton, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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