Salary & Cost of Living in Syracuse, NY
Syracuse, NY: $50,000 median salary, cost of living index 86, $16.50/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,000
$24/hr
Cost of Living
86
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.50
per hour
Unemployment
4.5%
rate
Syracuse, NY Overview
Population
148,620
Median Salary
$50,000
Average Salary
$56,000
Avg Commute
20 min
Median Home Price
$140,000
Median Rent
$950/mo
Job Growth
+1%
Sales Tax
8%
Syracuse is located in New York with a population of 148,620. The median household salary is $50,000 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1%.
Syracuse Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Syracuse, NY, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$39,049
$3,254.04/month · $1,501.87/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.9%
Gross Pay
$50,000
Federal Tax
-$3,962
State Tax
-$3,165
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,825
Net Pay
$39,049
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,166.67 | $50,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$330.13 | -$3,961.50 |
| New York State Tax (6.33%) | -$263.75 | -$3,165.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$258.33 | -$3,100.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$60.42 | -$725.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,254.04 | $39,048.50 |
Salary Comparison: Syracuse vs Other Cities
See how Syracuse's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse, NY | $50,000 | 86 | $58,140 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
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 Syracuse
Syracuse's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100). Living in Syracuse is 14% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$140,000
Median Monthly Rent
$950
Annual Rent Cost
$11,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $39,049 annual take-home pay in Syracuse has the purchasing power of approximately $45,405 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Syracuse
Syracuse's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,000.
Salary Tips for Syracuse Workers
- Your salary goes further here. Syracuse has a cost of living 14% below the national average. A salary of $50,000 here has the purchasing power of about $58,140 in an average-cost area.
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 6.33% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Syracuse's top industries include Education, Healthcare, Technology. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,000 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Syracuse, NY?
The median salary in Syracuse, NY is $50,000 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $56,000. This is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Syracuse, NY?
Syracuse's cost of living index is 86 (national average = 100), meaning it is 14% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $140,000 and the median monthly rent is $950.
What are the best industries in Syracuse?
The top industries in Syracuse, NY include Education, Healthcare, Technology. The city has a job growth rate of 1% and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,000.
How does Syracuse's salary compare to other cities?
Syracuse's median salary of $50,000 is 15.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 86), the real purchasing power is approximately $58,140.
What is the minimum wage in Syracuse, NY?
The minimum wage in Syracuse, NY is $16.50 per hour. This equals approximately $34,320 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.25 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.