Albany vs Schenectady: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Albany, NY and Schenectady, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Schenectady, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,482▲ | $134,496 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.10▲ | $64.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,948▲ | $78,008 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,820▲ | $96,837 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,299▲ | $172,154 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $275,497▲ | $208,468 |
| Total Employed | 3,180▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Schenectady.
The salary gap between Albany and Schenectady is $2,986 (2.22%). Albany's median is -17.76% 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,Schenectady spans $130,460. Albany 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, Albany ($138,081 effective) pays 18.99% more than Schenectady ($116,045 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($275,497)
- ✓Larger job market (3,180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,081)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Schenectady if…
- ✓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 -44.2% growth in Schenectady over the same period.
Albany, NY
$105,450 (2019) → $131,310 (2025)
Schenectady, NY
$230,110 (2024) → $128,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Schenectady, 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