Albany vs Lackawanna: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Albany, NY and Lackawanna, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Lackawanna, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,001▲ | $126,002 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.83▲ | $60.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,974▲ | $81,076 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,566▲ | $103,952 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,463▲ | $157,845 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,282▲ | $195,303 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lackawanna.
The salary gap between Albany and Lackawanna is $12,999 (10.32%). Albany's median is +1.21% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $143,308,Lackawanna spans $114,227. 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 ($139,607 effective) pays 28.41% more than Lackawanna ($108,716 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 ($139,001/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($246,282)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,607)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Lackawanna if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Albany grew 12.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.9% growth in Lackawanna over the same period.
Albany, NY
$117,590 (2019) → $131,680 (2025)
Lackawanna, NY
$145,351 (2024) → $119,365 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Lackawanna, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Albany or Lackawanna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Lackawanna?
Should I relocate from Albany to Lackawanna as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Albany vs Lackawanna?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov