Albany vs Syracuse: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Albany, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,482▲ | $134,969 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.10▲ | $64.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,948▲ | $78,263 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,820▲ | $104,826 |
| 75th Percentile | $179,299 | $180,356▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $275,497 | $326,622▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,180▲ | 1,190 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Albany and Syracuse is $2,513 (1.86%). 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,Syracuse spans $248,359. Syracuse 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, Syracuse ($140,972 effective) pays 2.09% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,482/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($326,622)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,972)
- ✓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 48.3% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Albany, NY
$105,450 (2019) → $131,310 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$86,950 (2019) → $128,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Albany or Syracuse?
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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