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Average Salary in New York

In New York, the median income is $58,560, but salaries across the state can differ greatly. In cities like New York City and Buffalo, the cost of living is notably higher, which is reflected in median salaries reaching $73,950 in New York City, with 80% of salaries falling between $34,451 and $169,650.

However, in smaller cities or rural regions, such as Syracuse or Albany, the median salary tends to be lower, which can make a significant difference in employee expectations.

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What is a Good Salary in New York?

What is considered a 'good' salary can vary based on factors like location, lifestyle, and industry. In New York, a salary in the range of $70,000 to $100,000 is generally considered comfortable for a single person. This range allows for a modest lifestyle, covering rent, utilities, transportation, and discretionary spending. However, in cities like New York City and Riverside, the cost of living is notably higher, which is reflected in median salaries reaching $73,950 in New York City, with 80% of salaries falling between $34,451 and $169,650.

Average Salary by Cities in New York

The cost of living can vary widely from one city to another, and that impacts both how far salaries stretch and what professionals expect in terms of pay. Cities with higher living costs – like those with hot housing markets or tech hubs – tend to have higher salary expectations.

Familiarizing yourself with the average salary ranges per location can help you plan better and make sure your compensation packages are in line with local expectations to attract and retain top talent. Here’s a quick look at salary ranges across different cities in New York, to get a sense of competitive salaries based on local factors:

CityMonthly SalaryAnnual Salary
New York City$6,162.50$73,950
Buffalo$4,500$54,000
Rochester$4,666.67$56,000
Syracuse$4,617.25$55,407
Albany$4,833.33$58,000

Salary Earnings Based on Experience Level in New York

Salaries naturally increase with experience – this applies to both new hires and existing team members. When planning for new positions, it's important to consider how salary ranges change at different seniority levels. This will help ensure you're meeting salary expectations, retain employees and create a fair working environment.

Here’s a breakdown of how monthly and annual salary ranges grow with experience in New York:

Experience LevelMonthly SalaryAnnual Salary
Entry-Level Jobs (0-2 years experience)$3,750 - $5,000$45,000 - $60,000
Mid-Level Jobs (3-5 years experience)$5,000 - $7,500$60,000 - $90,000
Senior Roles & Managers$7,500 - $12,500$90,000 - $150,000
Executive & C-Level$12,500 - $41,667+$150,000 - $500,000+

Average Salaries by Job Title in New York

Building a competitive compensation package means knowing what the going rate is for specific roles. We’ve compiled the most recent salary data by job title for New York, making it easier for you to compare roles, match your offers with the market, and make sure your team is paid fairly.

Job TitleMonthly SalaryAnnual Salary
Software Engineer$8,333 - $10,000$100,000 - $120,000
Marketing Manager$6,667 - $8,333$80,000 - $100,000
Financial Analyst$5,833 - $7,500$70,000 - $90,000
Operations Manager$7,083 - $9,167$85,000 - $110,000
Sales Executive$5,000 - $7,500$60,000 - $90,000

Highest Paying Jobs in New York

  • Surgeon: $400,000 - $600,000
  • Psychiatrist: $220,000 - $300,000
  • Orthodontist: $250,000 - $350,000
  • Anesthesiologist: $300,000 - $450,000
  • Corporate Lawyer: $200,000 - $400,000
  • Investment Banker: $150,000 - $350,000
  • IT Director: $150,000 - $250,000
  • Pharmacist: $130,000 - $160,000
  • Software Engineer: $100,000 - $150,000
  • Marketing Director: $120,000 - $180,000

Monthly Cost of Living in New York

In New York, the cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, especially in urban areas like New York City. Housing expenses are 112% higher than the national average, driven by the high demand and limited availability of properties in the city. Utility costs are around 9% higher than the national average, influenced by the state's diverse climate and energy needs. Transportation expenses, including gas prices and public transit, are approximately 14% higher than the national average, with costs driven by the extensive commuter network and high fuel prices in urban areas.

Median Home Price
$501,982
Median Rent
$3,700 to $4,600
/ month
Energy Bill
$339
/ month
Phone Bill
$141
/ month
Gas
$3.19
/ gallon

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FAQs for Hiring in New York

How is the average salary in New York calculated?

In New York, the average salary is typically calculated by aggregating the salaries of workers across various industries and job categories, then dividing by the total number of workers in the state. This provides an overall median or mean salary figure, which is used for economic and planning purposes. Average salaries are influenced by factors like education, industry, experience, and specific location within the state. The state's diverse economy, with strong finance, tech, and healthcare sectors, often skews averages higher compared to other states.

How does New York's average salary compare to the national average?

New York's average salary is notably higher than the national average, driven by its major financial hubs like New York City. With the state's economic reliance on finance, tech, healthcare, and media, salaries tend to reflect the high cost of living in major urban areas. The state's overall median wage surpasses the national figure by a significant margin, but this disparity is particularly visible in cities like New York, where salaries can be up to 40% higher than the U.S. national average.

What factors influence salary variations within New York?

Salary variations in New York are influenced by several factors, including industry, location, education, and experience. New York City, being a global financial center, offers significantly higher salaries in finance, law, and tech compared to rural parts of the state. Cost of living adjustments also play a role, as higher salaries are often necessary to offset the steep costs of housing, utilities, and transportation in metropolitan areas. Furthermore, factors such as union membership, collective bargaining agreements, and job-specific demands can all contribute to salary differences.

How does the cost of living in New York affect salary value?

The high cost of living in New York, particularly in New York City, impacts the value of salaries, requiring employers to offer higher wages to attract and retain employees. Rent, utilities, transportation, and general consumer prices are significantly higher than the national average. As a result, while salaries in New York are above the national average, their purchasing power can be lower in high-cost areas like Manhattan. Employers typically adjust salaries to account for this disparity, offering higher compensation packages or more comprehensive benefits to employees.

What are the fastest-growing industries for jobs in New York?

The fastest-growing industries in New York include technology, healthcare, financial services, and media. New York has become a major hub for tech companies, particularly in fields like software development, data science, and cybersecurity. The healthcare sector continues to grow, with increased demand for professionals in healthcare services and technology. Additionally, financial services, despite some fluctuations, remain strong, and media and digital marketing also show rapid growth due to the state's positioning as a media and entertainment center.

What types of employee benefits are most common in New York?

Employee benefits in New York commonly include health insurance, paid sick leave, retirement plans, and paid time off (PTO). New York has specific regulations such as the Paid Family Leave Act and the Earned Sick Time Act, which require employers to provide paid sick leave and family leave benefits. Additionally, many employers offer flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and wellness programs, especially in high-demand sectors like finance, healthcare, and tech.

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