Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Physics Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in New York: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary salary really buy you in New York?

New York is 7.6% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$103,100
Median annual (2025)
-7.1%
Real Purchasing Power
$95,817
COL-adjusted (RPP=107.6)

New York Cost of Living Index

New York's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 107.6, meaning prices are 7.6% higher the national average. A Physics Teachers, Postsecondary earning $103,100 in New York has the equivalent purchasing power of $95,817 in an average-cost US state.

NY: 107.6
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for New York's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $61,320 $56,988 $-4,331
25th Percentile (P25) $77,810 $72,314 $-5,495
Median (P50) $103,100 $95,817 $-7,282
75th Percentile (P75) $134,850 $125,325 $-9,524
90th Percentile (P90) $209,940 $195,111 $-14,828
Key Insight

While $103,100 sounds high, New York's elevated cost of living erases 7% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $95,817. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

New York Is a High-Cost State

RPP 107.6

New York's RPP of 107.6 puts it 7.6% above the national baseline cost of living. A Physics Teachers, Postsecondary needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

-7.1%

After applying New York's RPP, the $103,100 median salary translates to $95,818 in real terms — a 7.1% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary.

Below-Median Adjusted Pay

#33 / 47

New York's rank of #33 of 47 states means real purchasing power for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary trails the national half-way line.

Best States for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary (After Cost of Living)

Where does Physics Teachers, Postsecondary salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$123,928
RPP 112.5
$119,615
RPP 91.0
3. Iowa
$117,952
RPP 88.4
$116,798
RPP 93.4
5. Idaho
$115,511
RPP 91.8
$114,656
RPP 88.7
7. Indiana
$112,167
RPP 91.8
$111,030
RPP 98.0
$110,224
RPP 89.2
10. Minnesota
$109,764
RPP 97.7

New York ranks #33 out of 47 states for Physics Teachers, Postsecondary after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Physics Teachers, Postsecondary take-home pay in New York after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in New York after cost of living?

A Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in New York earns a median salary of $103,100 per year. After adjusting for New York's cost of living (RPP=107.6), the real purchasing power is $95,817 — a -7.1% difference.

Is New York expensive to live in?

New York's cost of living is 7.6% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for New York is 107.6 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary in New York: $103,100 x (100 / 107.6) = $95,817. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in New York offset the salary?

Partially — a Physics Teachers, Postsecondary's nominal salary of $103,100 in New York has 7.1% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $95,817. However, New York may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

What To Do Next

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Related Salary Pages

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy