Albany vs Rochester: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Albany, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,551 | $81,999▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.85 | $39.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,029▲ | $44,082 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,032 | $65,227▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,782 | $106,853▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,239 | $174,152▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,120▲ | 930 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Rochester is $7,448 (9.99%). Rochester's median is +27.09% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $110,210,Rochester spans $130,070. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($84,505 effective) pays 12.86% more than Albany ($74,876 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,999/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,152)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,505)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Albany grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 75.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Albany, NY
$62,750 (2019) → $71,960 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$45,020 (2019) → $79,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Albany or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Albany to Rochester as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Albany vs Rochester?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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 Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov