Albany vs Auburn: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Albany, NY and Auburn, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Auburn, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,412▲ | $70,378 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.18▲ | $33.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,236 | $50,956▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,348▲ | $56,287 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,136▲ | $90,083 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,487▲ | $109,085 |
| Total Employed | 1,470▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Albany and Auburn is $9,034 (12.84%). Albany's median is +21.41% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $71,251,Auburn spans $58,129. 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 ($79,758 effective) pays 31.35% more than Auburn ($60,723 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 ($79,412/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,487)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,758)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Albany grew 0.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -29.2% growth in Auburn over the same period.
Albany, NY
$76,840 (2019) → $77,460 (2025)
Auburn, NY
$96,934 (2024) → $68,648 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Auburn, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Albany or Auburn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Auburn?
Should I relocate from Albany to Auburn as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Albany vs Auburn?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov