Albany vs New York: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Albany, NY and New York, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $142,427 | $173,216▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $68.48 | $83.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $120,874 | $128,602▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $132,849 | $146,642▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,077 | $185,966▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,089 | $213,872▲ |
| Total Employed | 770 | 16,800▲ |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and New York is $30,789 (21.62%). New York's median is +23.38% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $46,215,New York spans $85,270. New York has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($153,884 effective) pays 7.57% more than Albany ($143,048 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,216/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($213,872)
- ✓Larger job market (16,800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,884)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Albany grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.6% growth in New York over the same period.
Albany, NY
$115,670 (2019) → $137,850 (2025)
New York, NY
$127,420 (2019) → $167,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Albany or New York?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and New York?
Should I relocate from Albany to New York as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Albany vs New York?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov