Albany vs Cortland: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Albany, NY and Cortland, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Cortland, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,776▲ | $101,079 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.78▲ | $48.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,477▲ | $69,414 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,231▲ | $80,304 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,745▲ | $126,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,226▲ | $143,820 |
| Total Employed | 720▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Albany and Cortland is $8,697 (8.60%). Albany's median is -12.20% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $102,749,Cortland spans $74,406. 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 ($110,255 effective) pays 26.42% more than Cortland ($87,212 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 ($109,776/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,226)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,255)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Albany grew -2.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -28.6% growth in Cortland over the same period.
Albany, NY
$108,670 (2019) → $105,910 (2025)
Cortland, NY
$136,601 (2024) → $97,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Cortland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov