Cloud Architect Hourly Pay in Seattle, WA: $92.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a cloud architect working in Seattle, WA runs $92.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $191,683 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 15-1241). Weighted against Seattle's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.1, 11% above national), each hour of work buys what $82.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $115,016 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Cloud architects in Seattle, WA, earn a competitive median hourly rate of $92.16, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $71.55. This prominent pay scale reflects the booming demand for cloud expertise, especially among local tech firms and consulting agencies engaged in enterprise cloud migration. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates to solid earnings, allowing for flexibility without sacrificing income. Entry-level cloud architects can expect to start at approximately $50.12 per hour, while seasoned experts in high-demand roles may command as much as $130.02. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, showcasing the robust earning potential within this sector amid Seattle's thriving tech industry.
Cloud Architect Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.12 | $400.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71.25 | $570.01 |
| Median (P50) | $92.16 | $737.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111.46 | $891.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130.02 | $1040.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Seattle
Based on $92.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $92.16/hr, a cloud architect working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Seattle, WA can expect to earn approximately $191,693 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $110,592. With a cost-of-living index of 111.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Seattle.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Seattle
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,686.41 | $15,974 | $191,693 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,211.84 | $9,585 | $115,016 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,474.56 | $6,390 | $76,677 |
Compare CA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Cloud Architect (Seattle) | $92.16 |
| Computer Network Architect (National Avg) | $64.25 |
| Software Developer (National Avg) | $64.54 |
| Information Security Analyst (National Avg) | $60.41 |
| DevOps Engineer (National Avg) | $59.66 |
Cloud Architects in Seattle, WA earn a median of $191,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.79% higher than the national median of $148,828 and 22.20% above the Washington state average of $156,860.
Cloud Architect Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $92.16/hr = $115,016/year (purchasing power: $103,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $191,693/year (purchasing power: $172,490).
CoL index: 111.133 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$63.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$89.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$92.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+48.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Cloud Architects in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.80% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $64.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $76.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $82.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $80.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $89.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for cloud architects in Seattle grew 40.9% from $63.63/hr (2019) to $89.65/hr (2025). At a 2.80% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $94.74/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem cloud architects can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.80% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Cloud Architect in Seattle
For those considering a part-time role, a cloud architect working 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $114,412 annually, which illustrates the strong earning potential compared to full-time salaries. Many cloud architects also engage in per-diem contract work, with rates ranging from $150 to $280 per hour, particularly for specialized roles in financial optimization or with security clearances. Employers significantly influence hourly pay rates; top tech companies like AWS and Microsoft, renowned consulting firms such as Accenture or Deloitte, and government contractors tend to offer more lucrative compensation. However, the trade-off for lower hourly rates often includes benefits like health insurance, appealing to those prioritizing job security. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s advisable to research current market trends and prepare to discuss specific skills, such as expertise in multi-cloud strategies or proficiency with AWS architecture, to maximize earning potential in Seattle’s dynamic cloud landscape.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.80% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for cloud architects in Seattle. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.80%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for cloud architects (SOC 15-1241).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MS, a licensed cloud architect with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov