Plumber Salary

Albany vs Jamestown: Plumber Salary (2026)

Compare plumber salaries between Albany, NY and Jamestown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Albany, NY
$79,412
$38.18/hr
Jamestown, NY
$71,986
$34.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAlbany, NYJamestown, NY
Median Salary$79,412$71,986
Hourly Rate$38.18$34.61
Entry Level (P10)$48,236$48,844
25th Percentile$61,348$59,537
75th Percentile$114,136$92,143
Top Earner (P90)$119,487$111,579
Total Employed1,4705
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Albany ($79,412) and Jamestown ($71,986) plumber salaries.AlbanyJamestownMedian Salary$79,412$71,986Entry Level (P10)$48,236$48,844Top Earner (P90)$119,487$111,579US Median $65,408

Verdict

Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jamestown.

The salary gap between Albany and Jamestown is $7,426 (10.32%). 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,Jamestown spans $62,735. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Albany
P10 (Entry)$48,236
P25$61,348
Median$79,412
P75$114,136
P90 (Top)$119,487
Jamestown
P10 (Entry)$48,844
P25$59,537
Median$71,986
P75$92,143
P90 (Top)$111,579

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Albany ($79,758 effective) pays 28.41% more than Jamestown ($62,110 effective).

Albany
Nominal: $79,412
CoL Index: 99.566
Adjusted: $79,758
Jamestown
Nominal: $71,986
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $62,110

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 Jamestown 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 Jamestown over the same period.

Albany, NY

+0.8%

$76,840 (2019) → $77,460 (2025)

Jamestown, NY

+-29.2%

$99,150 (2024) → $70,217 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays plumbers more: Albany or Jamestown?

Albany has a higher median plumber salary at $79,412/year, compared to Jamestown at $71,986/year — a difference of $7,426 (10.32%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Jamestown?

Albany plumbers earn $38.18/hr while Jamestown hygienists earn $34.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Albany to Jamestown as a plumber?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Albany and Jamestown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Albany = $79,758, Jamestown = $62,110), job availability (1,470 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level plumbers earn in Albany vs Jamestown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) plumbers earn $48,236 in Albany and $48,844 in Jamestown. The Jamestown area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

ST

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.

Clinically reviewed by Aisha Patel, CWPData verified by Michael Chen, CWP

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