Salary & Cost of Living in Amherst, NY
Amherst, NY: $60,960 median salary, cost of living index 131, $15.00/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$60,960
$29/hr
Cost of Living
131
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$15.00
per hour
Unemployment
4.5%
rate
Amherst, NY Overview
Population
126,082
Median Salary
$60,960
Average Salary
$68,275
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$460,000
Median Rent
$1,903/mo
Job Growth
+0.5%
Sales Tax
4%
Amherst is located in New York with a population of 126,082. The median household salary is $60,960 per year ($29/hour), which is $1,576 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.5%.
Amherst Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Amherst, NY based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $60,960 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $37,795 | $18.17/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $60,960 | $29.31/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $86,563 | $41.62/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $108,509 | $52.17/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Amherst Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Amherst, NY, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$45,649
$3,804.11/month · $1,755.74/biweekly · Effective Rate: 25.1%
Gross Pay
$60,960
Federal Tax
-$5,277
State Tax
-$4,176
Local Tax
-$1,195
FICA
-$4,663
Net Pay
$45,649
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,080.00 | $60,960.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$439.72 | -$5,276.70 |
| New York State Tax (6.85%) | -$347.98 | -$4,175.76 |
| Local Tax (1.96%) | -$99.57 | -$1,194.82 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$314.96 | -$3,779.52 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$73.66 | -$883.92 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,804.11 | $45,649.28 |
Salary Comparison: Amherst vs Other Cities
See how Amherst's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amherst, NY | $60,960 | 131 | $46,534 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Marlborough, MA | $60,950 | 121.7 | $50,082 |
| Gloucester, MA | $60,925 | 126.6 | $48,124 |
| Ridgecrest, CA | $60,922 | 144.5 | $42,161 |
| Surprise, AZ | $61,000 | 99 | $61,616 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Amherst
Amherst's cost of living index is 131 (national average = 100). Living in Amherst is 31% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$460,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,903
Annual Rent Cost
$22,836
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $45,649 annual take-home pay in Amherst has the purchasing power of approximately $34,847 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $79,858 in Amherst to match a $60,960 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Amherst
Amherst's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $60,960.
Salary Tips for Amherst Workers
- Negotiate for cost of living. Amherst has a cost of living 31% above the national average. When negotiating salary, factor in the higher housing and living costs to ensure your real purchasing power stays competitive.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.85% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $24,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Amherst's top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $60,960 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
Related Salary Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Amherst, NY?
The median salary in Amherst, NY is $60,960 per year, or $29 per hour. The average salary is $68,275. This is $1,576 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Amherst, NY?
Amherst's cost of living index is 131 (national average = 100), meaning it is 31% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $460,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,903.
What are the best industries in Amherst?
The top industries in Amherst, NY include Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The city has a job growth rate of 0.5% and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $60,960.
How does Amherst's salary compare to other cities?
Amherst's median salary of $60,960 is 2.7% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 131), the real purchasing power is approximately $46,534.
What is the minimum wage in Amherst, NY?
The minimum wage in Amherst, NY is $15.00 per hour. This equals approximately $31,200 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $7.75 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.