Albany vs Rochester: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,722▲ | $104,488 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.89▲ | $50.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,222 | $63,209▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,175▲ | $74,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,972▲ | $180,093 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $372,541▲ | $295,758 |
| Total Employed | 680 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $24,234 (23.19%). Albany's median is +18.60% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $313,319,Rochester spans $232,549. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($129,283 effective) pays 20.06% more than Rochester ($107,681 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 ($128,722/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($372,541)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,283)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Albany grew 62.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$76,610 (2019) → $124,610 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$91,670 (2019) → $101,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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 Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov