- 1.NYC tech salaries average 31% higher than upstate New York across all roles
- 2.Software engineers in Manhattan earn median salaries of 165000 vs 125000 upstate
- 3.Cost of living adjustments make upstate salaries 18% more valuable in purchasing power
- 4.Remote work policies have increased upstate tech hiring by 47% since 2022
- 5.Senior-level positions show the largest NYC premium at 38% above upstate rates
NYC vs Upstate New York Tech Salaries
Median compensation across major technology roles
Software Engineer (NYC)
Median Annual Salary
Software Engineer (Upstate)
Median Annual Salary
Data Scientist (NYC)
Median Annual Salary
Data Scientist (Upstate)
Median Annual Salary
Product Manager (NYC)
Median Annual Salary
Product Manager (Upstate)
Median Annual Salary
Source: BLS 2025 Occupational Employment Statistics
NYC Software Engineer Salary
Growth driven by AI/ML demand and competitive market
Upstate Software Engineer Salary
Remote work expansion driving competitive wages
Tech Salaries by Experience Level: NYC vs Upstate
| Experience Level | NYC Median | Upstate Median | NYC Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | 125000 | 95000 | 32% |
| Mid-Level (3-5 years) | 165000 | 125000 | 32% |
| Senior (6-8 years) | 215000 | 155000 | 39% |
| Staff/Principal (9+ years) | 285000 | 195000 | 46% |
| Engineering Manager | 325000 | 225000 | 44% |
Source: Levels.fyi, Glassdoor 2025
Tech Salaries by Company Type
| Company Type | NYC Range | Upstate Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Tech (FAANG+) | 250000-450000 | 180000-320000 | Highest premiums |
| Financial Services | 180000-350000 | 135000-240000 | Strong upstate presence |
| Startups (Series A-C) | 140000-280000 | 110000-195000 | Higher equity compensation |
| Healthcare Tech | 155000-245000 | 125000-185000 | Growing sector upstate |
| Government/Non-profit | 95000-165000 | 85000-135000 | Smaller geographic gap |
Source: Glassdoor, PayScale, Levels.fyi 2025
Geographic Salary Breakdown Within Regions
| Location | Software Engineer | Data Scientist | Product Manager |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan | 175000 | 195000 | 205000 |
| Brooklyn | 160000 | 185000 | 190000 |
| Queens/Bronx | 155000 | 175000 | 185000 |
| Albany | 128000 | 145000 | 155000 |
| Rochester | 125000 | 138000 | 145000 |
| Buffalo | 122000 | 135000 | 142000 |
| Syracuse | 120000 | 132000 | 138000 |
Source: BLS Metropolitan Area Data 2025
Source: MIT Living Wage Calculator
New York City's technology sector includes fintech, adtech, e-commerce, and emerging AI companies concentrated in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island City.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Software Engineer
- • Data Scientist
- • Product Manager
- • DevOps Engineer
Technology centers in Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse focusing on healthcare tech, manufacturing automation, and government technology solutions.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Software Developer
- • Systems Analyst
- • IT Manager
- • Database Administrator
Post-2020 remote work policies allowing NYC companies to hire upstate talent while maintaining competitive salaries, reducing geographic pay gaps.
Key Skills
Common Jobs
- • Remote Software Engineer
- • Distributed Team Lead
- • Cloud Architect
Upstate Tech Job Postings
Remote work expansion driving upstate hiring growth
Career Decision Framework: NYC vs Upstate
Calculate Total Compensation Value
Factor in cost of living differences, commute costs, and quality of life preferences when comparing offers between NYC and upstate positions.
Evaluate Remote Work Options
Negotiate remote or hybrid arrangements that allow access to NYC salaries while living upstate, maximizing both compensation and cost efficiency.
Consider Career Growth Trajectory
NYC offers more senior-level opportunities and networking, while upstate provides leadership roles at smaller companies and work-life balance.
Research Company-Specific Policies
Big tech and financial firms often have location-based pay bands, while startups and remote-first companies may offer location-agnostic compensation.
Build Geographic Arbitrage Strategy
Start career in NYC for experience and network building, then transition to upstate with remote work or local leadership roles for lifestyle optimization.
This comprehensive salary analysis combines federal employment data, industry salary databases, and geographic cost-of-living adjustments to provide accurate compensation comparisons between NYC and upstate New York technology roles.
Coding Bootcamps: An Alternative Pathway
Coding bootcamps offer an accelerated pathway into tech careers. For those considering alternatives to traditional degrees, here's what you need to know about this intensive learning format.
What is a Coding Bootcamp?
A coding bootcamp is an intensive, short-term training program (typically 12-24 weeks) that teaches practical programming skills through hands-on projects. Unlike traditional degrees, bootcamps focus exclusively on job-ready skills and often include career services to help graduates land their first tech role.
Who Bootcamps Are Best For
- Career changers looking to enter tech quickly
- Professionals wanting to upskill or transition roles
- Self-taught developers seeking structured training
- Those unable to commit to a 4-year degree timeline
What People Love
Based on discussions from r/codingbootcamp, r/cscareerquestions, and r/learnprogramming
- Fast-track to employment—many graduates land jobs within 3-6 months
- Hands-on, project-based learning builds real portfolio pieces
- Career services and interview prep included in most programs
- Strong alumni networks for job referrals and mentorship
- Structured curriculum keeps you accountable and on track
Common Concerns
Honest feedback from bootcamp graduates and industry professionals
- Intense pace can be overwhelming—expect 60-80 hour weeks
- Some employers still prefer traditional CS degrees for certain roles
- Quality varies widely between programs—research carefully
- Job placement stats can be misleading—ask for CIRR audited reports
- May lack depth in computer science fundamentals like algorithms
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Programs for Tech careers:
- Software Engineering Career Track
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More Bootcamp Resources
Frequently Asked Questions: New York Tech Salaries
Related Career Resources
Data Sources & References
Occupational Employment Statistics and wage data by metropolitan statistical area
Crowdsourced tech salary data from verified employees at major technology companies
Company-specific salary ranges and employment market analysis
Geographic cost of living and purchasing power analysis by metropolitan area
Experience-adjusted compensation data across technology roles and company types
Real-time job posting salary data and market trends analysis
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.