Albany vs Rochester: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $139,233▲ | $132,530 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.94▲ | $63.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,429▲ | $108,974 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,637▲ | $110,878 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,909▲ | $136,616 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,555▲ | $159,944 |
| Total Employed | 910 | 1,890▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $6,703 (5.06%). Albany's median is +1.73% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $57,126,Rochester spans $50,970. 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 ($139,840 effective) pays 2.39% more than Rochester ($136,580 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 ($139,233/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,555)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,840)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Albany grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$108,180 (2019) → $134,590 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$101,990 (2019) → $128,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Albany or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Albany to Rochester as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Albany vs Rochester?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov