Albany vs New York: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $65,693 | $80,237▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.58 | $38.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,010 | $66,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,399 | $70,787▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,574 | $84,497▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,229 | $92,403▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,130 | 32,410▲ |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and New York is $14,544 (22.14%). New York's median is +17.87% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $22,219,New York spans $26,267. New York has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($71,282 effective) pays 8.04% more than Albany ($65,979 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 ($80,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,403)
- ✓Larger job market (32,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,282)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Albany grew 39.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in New York over the same period.
Albany, NY
$44,520 (2019) → $62,150 (2025)
New York, NY
$57,040 (2019) → $75,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses 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 licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Albany vs New York?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov