Albany vs Rochester: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,482 | $155,113▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $66.10 | $74.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,948 | $86,053▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $105,820 | $107,810▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $179,299 | $229,220▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $275,497 | $340,568▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,180▲ | 1,710 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $17,631 (12.82%). Rochester's median is -7.21% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $189,549,Rochester spans $254,515. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($159,853 effective) pays 15.77% more than Albany ($138,081 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($155,113/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($340,568)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $159,853)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Albany grew 24.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 79.4% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$105,450 (2019) → $131,310 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$82,570 (2019) → $148,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov