The Average Salary in NYC in 2025: All You Need To Know

Have you ever wondered the average salary it takes to live your New York dream? If you’ve grown up watching American TV shows and movies, we’re sure you’ve thought about living in the bustling NYC at least once in your life. And we can’t blame you, the city of New York has a unique allure that is unparalleled.

However, as such, the average salary in NYC is a factor one must consider before making the city their abode in the coming years. The cost of living in NYC is actually 76% higher than the national average! This means that the average salary in NYC must match up to the average cost of living in New York too. Let us dig deeper.

Average Salary in NYC

The average salary in New York is almost 18% higher than the national average. The average monthly income for an individual living in NYC is about $7,500/month and about $90,000/year. After taxes, the average salary in NYC comes down to $75,000/year. That seems like a dramatic difference, right? Well, that’s because the average salary in NYC faces some of the highest income taxes in the United States since one is taxed based on state and federal level taxes. Now that we have an overview of the average annual income New York, let’s break down and analyze the average salary in NYC based on various metrics.

QUOTE - The average salary in NYC faces some of the highest income taxes in the United States since one is taxed based on state and federal level taxes.

1. Average Salary in NYC By Area

The iconic city of NYC is located on the southern tip of the New York State. The city is home to some of the most well-known neighborhoods and areas in existence, such as Brooklyn, Harlem, Manhattan, The Bronx, Tribeca, East Village, and more. Generally, the skyscraper-filled area of Manhattan features some of the highest average salaries in New York, followed by Brooklyn and The Bronx. Some areas are obviously better than others; therefore reading up on the best neighborhoods in New York can prove to be quite helpful. The average salary in NYC by area looks something like the following:

2. Average Salary in NYC By Expertise

One of the major deciding factors for your average salary in NYC is based on your skill-set, expertise, and job profile. The more in-demand jobs in the US will be directly proportional to higher salaries and vice-versa. There is a reason why NYC is known to be full of all the who’s-who from all the big industries in the world. You don’t have to be a millionaire to live comfortably in NYC, but being one surely does help! Professions such as anesthesiologists, software engineers, psychiatrists, and surgeons mint some great money, ensuring a fulfilled living experience in The Big Apple. 

Keynote: all the salaries mentioned in the blog are estimates and not concrete numbers.

3. Average Salary in NYC By Gender

The average salary in NYC is one of the few in the world that has the least gender pay gap. The women in NYC make $0.9 for every $1 a man makes. When you consider this based on hourly median earnings, if a man makes $41.87 an hour, a woman makes $37.69. Compared to the rest of the world as well as the rest of the USA, this number is a significant step towards equalizing the gender pay gap and making work a level playing field for both sexes. Wish to know what your expenses would be like living here? Check out the cost of living in New York for students.

4. Average Salary in NYC By Age and Experience

One of the few things that can trump other aspects of a job environment is the existence of one’s experience. Entry-level jobs usually pay much less than mid-level or senior-level positions, which is why the average salary in New York fluctuates depending on your age and experience. Those below the age of 25 can expect to earn anywhere around $43,000/year, while those between the ages of 25 and 44 can usually earn around $90,000/year. Here is a breakdown of the estimates of the average annual salary in NYC by age:

Median Salary in New York

A median salary is calculated by taking the exact middle salary out of all the salaries calculated. Therefore, if a study has collected 11 salaries all stacked in an ascending order, then the median salary is the fifth salary on that list. Contrary to popular belief, median salaries tend to be more accurate than the average salary in NYC.

According to HousingAnywhere, the median salary in New York is $64,131/year or $5,344/month. In a median salary setup, the higher salary numbers don’t skew the overall salary numbers. 

What is A Good Salary in New York?

This is a question that many of you may have asked yourself while skimming through this blog - What is a good salary in New York? Well, the answer is not as straightforward as you may think. The needs of individuals living in New York may very well differ from those living with a partner or with family. 

If you are the sole breadwinner of the family, then obviously, leading a comfortable life in The Big Apple would ask more out of you. However, bachelors and individuals may get by on minimal wages. However, that wouldn’t qualify as a good salary in New York. To lead your preferred lifestyle in New York, the ideal salary would be somewhere between $90,000 - $100,000/year or $70,000 - $85,000 after tax deductions. This average salary in NYC can help you cover all your expenses while leaving enough room to save up for the future. 

However, the above-mentioned number may go up if your household has more members. If you have 1 child in the family, the average salary in New York nearly doubles or triples. All in all, for a single person living in NYC, a gross minimum salary of $80,000 can help lead to a fulfilling life. As such, when in the city, one must strive to find the most cost-effective housing options. Amber provides the most affordable student housing in New York City for students pursuing academic excellence in The City That Never Sleeps.