Albany vs Ithaca: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Albany, NY and Ithaca, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,810▲ | $62,675 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.19▲ | $30.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,908▲ | $46,787 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,217▲ | $50,741 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,716 | $76,670▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,174 | $93,325▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,340▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ithaca.
The salary gap between Albany and Ithaca is $135 (0.22%). Albany's median is -3.51% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $35,266,Ithaca spans $46,538. Ithaca has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($63,084 effective) pays 3.99% more than Ithaca ($60,663 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 ($62,810/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,084)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,325)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Albany grew 9.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Albany, NY
$55,370 (2019) → $60,680 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$50,180 (2019) → $60,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov