Surprise vs Tucson: Cloud Architect Salary (2026)
Compare cloud architect salaries between Surprise, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Surprise, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $157,981▲ | $134,017 |
| Hourly Rate | $75.95▲ | $64.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,094▲ | $90,418 |
| 25th Percentile | $123,772▲ | $110,524 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,157▲ | $162,183 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $244,066▲ | $190,939 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Surprise, AZ offers better overall compensation for cloud architects, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Surprise and Tucson is $23,964 (17.88%). Surprise's median is +6.15% compared to the US national median of $148,828.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Surprise spans $147,972,Tucson spans $100,521. Surprise 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, Surprise ($160,387 effective) pays 15.96% more than Tucson ($138,310 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($157,981/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($244,066)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,387)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, cloud architect salaries in Surprise grew 25.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Surprise, AZ
$122,859 (2024) → $153,678 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$93,300 (2019) → $130,367 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Tucson, AZ
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