Albany vs Elmira: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Albany, NY and Elmira, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Elmira, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,776▲ | $103,906 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.78▲ | $49.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,477▲ | $68,504 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,231▲ | $80,787 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,745▲ | $129,032 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,226▲ | $151,544 |
| Total Employed | 720▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmira.
The salary gap between Albany and Elmira is $5,870 (5.65%). 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,Elmira spans $83,040. 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 22.98% more than Elmira ($89,651 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 Elmira 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 15.8% growth in Elmira over the same period.
Albany, NY
$108,670 (2019) → $105,910 (2025)
Elmira, NY
$86,560 (2019) → $100,247 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Elmira, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Albany or Elmira?
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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