Albany vs Rochester: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,159▲ | $62,053 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.80▲ | $29.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,096▲ | $32,812 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,708▲ | $41,277 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,279▲ | $81,625 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,295▲ | $103,778 |
| Total Employed | 830 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $4,106 (6.62%). Albany's median is -17.71% 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,Rochester spans $70,966. Rochester 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, Albany ($66,447 effective) pays 3.91% more than Rochester ($63,949 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 ($66,159/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,295)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,447)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓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 -35.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$95,270 (2021) → $63,322 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$92,520 (2021) → $59,392 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Albany or Rochester?
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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