Albany vs Buffalo: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,165▲ | $99,613 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.57▲ | $47.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,989▲ | $73,914 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,931▲ | $82,617 |
| 75th Percentile | $129,724 | $131,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,452 | $154,253▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,470▲ | 930 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $5,552 (5.57%). Albany's median is +1.62% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $75,463,Buffalo spans $80,339. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($105,623 effective) pays 1.63% more than Buffalo ($103,932 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 ($105,165/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,623)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,253)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Albany grew 11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.8% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$92,030 (2019) → $102,470 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$84,560 (2019) → $97,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov