How does a Professor's salary in New York compare to the rest of New York?

New York's cost of living index is 187 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted upward accordingly. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $157,791 earns $81,184 more than the median household income in New York ($76,607).

Professor Salary in New York, NY — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for New York's cost of living (index: 187). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Professor Salary in New York — Key Numbers

$157,791

Median Salary

$107,712

25th Percentile

$229,000

75th Percentile

$315,880

90th Percentile

National median (Professor)$84,380

vs. National median+87.0%

New York median household income$76,607

vs. City household income+106.0%

Cost of Living in New York

Cost of Living Index

187(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$3,600/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio27.4%

Annual rent cost$43,200

Median Home Price$750,000

Home Price / Salary4.8×

20% Down Payment$150,000

Years to save (20% rate)4.8 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in New York

4.3%

Unemployment Rate

20,140,470

Metro Population

36 min

Avg Commute

37.1

Median Age

New York has a metro population of 20,140,470, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Financial Calculators for New York

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Cost of Living — New York

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Professor Salary in New York

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in New York

Physician$428,791 Chief Executive Officer$392,700 Dentist$328,204 IT Manager$316,984 Marketing Manager$294,749 Lawyer$272,571

Professor Salary — Other New York Cities

Buffalo, NY$74,254 Rochester, NY$72,567 Albany, NY$80,161 Poughkeepsie, NY$101,256 Syracuse, NY$72,567

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Professor make in New York, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Professor in New York is $157,791 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $84,380 adjusted by New York's cost of living index (187). The typical salary range runs from $107,712 (25th percentile) to $229,000 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $315,880.

Is New York affordable for a Professor?

On a $157,791 annual salary, a Professor in New York would spend approximately 27.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($3,600/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making New York relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $750,000 is 4.8× the annual salary.

How does a Professor's salary compare to New York's overall income?

New York's median household income is $76,607. A Professor earning the city-adjusted median of $157,791 earns 106.0% more than the typical New York household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Professor — National Professor in New York All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.