Albany vs Buffalo: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,159 | $68,372▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.80 | $32.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,096▲ | $37,406 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,708▲ | $50,365 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,279 | $92,932▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,295▲ | $106,292 |
| Total Employed | 830 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $2,213 (3.34%). Buffalo's median is -14.95% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $64,199,Buffalo spans $68,886. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($71,337 effective) pays 7.36% more than Albany ($66,447 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,295)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,372/year)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,337)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Albany grew -33.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -30.2% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$95,270 (2021) → $63,322 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$93,810 (2021) → $65,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Albany or Buffalo?
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Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov