Albany vs Buffalo: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,460▲ | $131,912 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.12▲ | $63.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,722▲ | $80,668 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,961▲ | $103,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $181,854▲ | $164,500 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $226,583▲ | $196,984 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 390 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for construction managers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $3,548 (2.69%). Albany's median is +13.91% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $144,861,Buffalo spans $116,316. 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, Buffalo ($137,632 effective) pays 1.16% more than Albany ($136,050 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 ($135,460/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($226,583)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $137,632)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Albany grew 52.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.9% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$86,020 (2019) → $130,980 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$85,690 (2019) → $127,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Albany vs Buffalo?
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Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov