New York vs Valley Stream: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between New York, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Valley Stream, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,077▲ | $102,181 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.62▲ | $49.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,809▲ | $70,287 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,491▲ | $88,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,305▲ | $118,036 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,696▲ | $142,443 |
| Total Employed | 197,740▲ | 10 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valley Stream.
The salary gap between New York and Valley Stream is $23,896 (23.39%). New York's median is +22.73% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $75,887,Valley Stream spans $72,156. New York has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, New York ($112,006 effective) pays 27.04% more than Valley Stream ($88,163 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,077/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,696)
- ✓Larger job market (197,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,006)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Valley Stream if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in New York grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.1% growth in Valley Stream over the same period.
New York, NY
$93,090 (2019) → $119,720 (2025)
Valley Stream, NY
$116,990 (2024) → $97,029 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: New York or Valley Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Valley Stream?
Should I relocate from New York to Valley Stream as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in New York vs Valley Stream?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov