Albany vs Amsterdam: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Albany, NY and Amsterdam, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Amsterdam, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $111,473▲ | $93,773 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.59▲ | $45.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,497▲ | $74,377 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,684▲ | $80,039 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,633▲ | $113,724 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,189▲ | $134,819 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amsterdam.
The salary gap between Albany and Amsterdam is $17,700 (18.88%). Albany's median is +4.03% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $91,692,Amsterdam spans $60,442. 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 ($111,959 effective) pays 38.38% more than Amsterdam ($80,909 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 ($111,473/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,189)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,959)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Amsterdam if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Albany grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -26.9% growth in Amsterdam over the same period.
Albany, NY
$96,970 (2019) → $108,310 (2025)
Amsterdam, NY
$124,682 (2024) → $91,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Amsterdam, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Albany or Amsterdam?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Amsterdam?
Should I relocate from Albany to Amsterdam as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Albany vs Amsterdam?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov