New York vs Schenectady: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between New York, NY and Schenectady, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Schenectady, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,024▲ | $107,392 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.95▲ | $51.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,413▲ | $69,104 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,272▲ | $82,555 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,679▲ | $137,462 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $177,273▲ | $162,279 |
| Total Employed | 6,290▲ | 16 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Schenectady.
The salary gap between New York and Schenectady is $25,632 (23.87%). New York's median is +6.39% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $92,860,Schenectady spans $93,175. Schenectady has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($118,177 effective) pays 27.54% more than Schenectady ($92,659 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,024/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,273)
- ✓Larger job market (6,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,177)
- ✓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, electrical engineer salaries in New York grew 17.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -27.9% growth in Schenectady over the same period.
New York, NY
$109,280 (2019) → $128,340 (2025)
Schenectady, NY
$143,678 (2024) → $103,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Schenectady, 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