Lackawanna vs New York: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Lackawanna, NY and New York, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lackawanna, NY | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,170 | $218,697▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.62 | $105.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,338 | $98,491▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,283 | $137,408▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,057 | $339,553▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,663 | $410,026▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 94,610▲ |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lackawanna.
The salary gap between Lackawanna and New York is $90,527 (70.63%). New York's median is +30.82% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lackawanna spans $124,325,New York spans $311,535. New York 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, New York ($194,289 effective) pays 75.69% more than Lackawanna ($110,587 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lackawanna if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($218,697/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($410,026)
- ✓Larger job market (94,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $194,289)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Lackawanna grew -44.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in New York over the same period.
Lackawanna, NY
$222,366 (2024) → $122,416 (2025)
New York, NY
$155,020 (2019) → $208,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lackawanna, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Lackawanna or New York?
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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