Salaries in Ithaca, NY

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Ithaca, NY?

The average salary in Ithaca, NY is $62,081 per year.

Ithaca, NY, offers a range of salary opportunities across different industries. The average salary in Ithaca is around $62,081. This figure provides a good overview of what job seekers might expect. Salaries vary based on the job sector and experience.


Some industries pay more than others. For example, those in higher education and healthcare often earn more. The table below shows the average salary for different experience levels. Starting salaries are lower, but they increase with more experience. This trend shows that gaining experience can lead to higher earnings.

  • 0-2 years: $31,000
  • 3-5 years: $42,908
  • 6-8 years: $54,815
  • 9-11 years: $66,723
  • 12-14 years: $78,631
  • 15-17 years: $90,538
  • 18-20 years: $102,446
  • 21-23 years: $114,354
  • 24-26 years: $126,261
  • 27-29 years: $138,169
  • 30+ years: $150,077
View jobs in Ithaca, NY

What are the best paying jobs in Ithaca, NY?

Ithaca, NY, offers a variety of high-paying jobs, especially in the healthcare and technology sectors. Optometrists lead the way with top salaries, reflecting the importance of eye care in the community. Other well-compensated roles include traveling nurses, ultrasound technologists, and radiologic technologists, all of which require specialized skills and training. These jobs provide not only competitive pay but also the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people's lives.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ithaca, NY, highlighting Optometrist with the highest at $228,765 and CDL Driver with the lowest at $88,444.
  1. Optometrist
    Average Salary: $228,765
    This role involves examining eyes and providing vision care. It requires a degree and a license. Many local clinics and hospitals offer these positions. Working with patients to improve their vision is a rewarding part of the job.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Ithaca, NY


  2. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,183
    Traveling nurses work in various locations, providing care where needed. They need to be flexible and ready to move. Hospitals and travel nursing agencies often hire for these positions. It’s a chance to gain diverse experiences.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Ithaca, NY


  3. Ultrasound Technologist
    Average Salary: $122,334
    This job involves using imaging equipment to help doctors. It requires a specialized education and certification. Many healthcare facilities in the area offer these roles. Working with patients to get clear images is a key part of the job.
    Find Ultrasound Technologist jobs in Ithaca, NY


  4. Endoscopy Technician
    Average Salary: $111,351
    Endoscopy technicians assist doctors during procedures. They need to be detail-oriented and work well under pressure. Hospitals and specialized clinics hire for these positions. Helping ensure smooth procedures is a vital part of the job.
    Find Endoscopy Technician jobs in Ithaca, NY


  5. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $104,962
    Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment. They need to be precise and follow safety protocols. Many hospitals and imaging centers offer these jobs. Working with patients to get accurate images is a rewarding aspect of the role.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Ithaca, NY


  6. Director of Nursing
    Average Salary: $95,775
    This role involves managing nursing staff and patient care. It requires a nursing degree and leadership experience. Hospitals and nursing homes often hire for these positions. Overseeing patient care and managing staff is a key responsibility.
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  7. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $94,948
    Registered nurses provide patient care and support doctors. They need to be compassionate and detail-oriented. Many hospitals and clinics offer these positions. Helping patients recover and manage their health is a fulfilling part of the job.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Ithaca, NY


  8. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $90,614
    Surgical technicians assist during surgeries. They need to be precise and follow strict protocols. Hospitals and surgical centers hire for these roles. Working closely with surgeons to ensure smooth procedures is a key part of the job.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Ithaca, NY


  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,507
    This role involves helping patients with speech and language issues. It requires a specialized degree and certification. Many schools and healthcare facilities offer these positions. Working with patients to improve their communication skills is rewarding.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Ithaca, NY


  10. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $88,444
    CDL drivers transport goods and materials. They need to be safe and reliable drivers. Many logistics companies and transport firms offer these positions. Ensuring timely delivery of goods is a key responsibility.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Ithaca, NY

What are the best paying jobs in Ithaca, NY without a degree?

Ithaca, NY offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Kitchen managers can earn up to $40,822 annually. They oversee kitchen operations and staff, ensuring smooth service. Other top-paying roles include servers, who can make up to $40,474 a year. They serve food and drinks to customers, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Groundskeepers and landscapers also earn competitive wages, with salaries reaching $39,568 and $38,896 respectively. These positions involve maintaining the grounds and gardens, keeping them clean and attractive.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Ithaca, NY without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Manager with the highest at $40,822 and Recreation Assistant with the lowest at $34,143.
  1. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $40,822
    Manage kitchen staff and operations. Oversee food preparation and ensure quality. Work in local restaurants and cafes.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Ithaca, NY


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $40,474
    Serve food and drinks to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Work in various dining establishments.
    Find Server jobs in Ithaca, NY


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $39,568
    Maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other properties. Perform landscaping tasks. Work for local government or private companies.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Ithaca, NY


  4. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $39,273
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work in upscale dining venues.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Ithaca, NY


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $38,896
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trees, and shrubs. Work for landscaping companies or homeowners.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Ithaca, NY


  6. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $36,689
    Help servers with tasks like setting up tables and clearing dishes. Provide support in busy dining areas. Work in family-style restaurants.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Ithaca, NY


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,595
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. Work in shifts to meet demand. Find jobs in local eateries and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Ithaca, NY


  8. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $35,128
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or motels. Ensure a tidy and welcoming environment. Work for hospitality businesses.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Ithaca, NY


  9. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $34,192
    Provide excellent service to customers. Handle inquiries and ensure satisfaction. Work in retail or service-oriented businesses.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Ithaca, NY


  10. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $34,143
    Assist in organizing recreational activities. Help maintain facilities and equipment. Work for community centers or parks.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Ithaca, NY

Which companies offer the top salaries in Ithaca, NY?

Ithaca, NY, offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. Health Carousel leads with the highest average salary at $129,729. Following closely, American Medical Associates and Tetra Tech provide substantial salaries, with averages of $97,206 and $88,461, respectively. These companies, along with others like Apex Healthcare and Cornell University, present attractive compensation packages. Apex Healthcare offers an average salary of $81,897, while Cornell University provides an average of $71,833. BorgWarner, Cayuga Medical Center, and Beechtree Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $65,186 to $59,385. These figures highlight the potential for rewarding careers in Ithaca.
Graph displaying company salaries in Ithaca, NY, highlighting Health Carousel with the highest at $129,729 and Kendal at Ithaca with the lowest at $56,475.
  1. Health Carousel
    Average Salary: $129,729
    Health Carousel offers a range of healthcare services. They provide staffing solutions for hospitals and clinics.


  2. American Medical Associates
    Average Salary: $97,206
    American Medical Associates focuses on medical staffing and recruitment. They help connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities.


  3. Tetra Tech
    Average Salary: $88,461
    Tetra Tech is a consulting and engineering firm. They work on projects related to water, environment, and infrastructure.


  4. Apex Healthcare
    Average Salary: $81,897
    Apex Healthcare provides healthcare staffing services. They help healthcare facilities find qualified professionals.


  5. Cornell University
    Average Salary: $71,833
    Cornell University is a top research institution. It offers a variety of academic and research opportunities.


  6. BorgWarner
    Average Salary: $65,186
    BorgWarner is an automotive technology company. They produce powertrain systems for vehicles.


  7. Cayuga Medical Center
    Average Salary: $59,385
    Cayuga Medical Center is a healthcare facility. They provide medical services to the community.


  8. Beechtree Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing
    Average Salary: $59,258
    Beechtree Center offers rehabilitation and nursing care services. They focus on patient recovery and well-being.


  9. Ithaca City School District
    Average Salary: $59,125
    Ithaca City School District manages public schools in Ithaca. They provide education to students in the area.


  10. Kendal at Ithaca
    Average Salary: $56,475
    Kendal at Ithaca is a senior living community. They offer residential care and support services for older adults.

How does the cost of living in Ithaca, NY compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Ithaca, NY, exceeds the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs are notably higher, standing at 35% above the national average. Additionally, groceries and healthcare also show a rise, with costs at 8% and 17% above the average, respectively. Utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous costs remain relatively close to the national average, with slight variations at 8% below and 5% above, respectively. This data suggests that while Ithaca offers a vibrant living environment, potential residents should consider these higher costs when planning their budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for Ithaca, NY vs. Nationwide: housing 35% higher, groceries 8% higher, utilities 8% lower, transportation 2% lower, healthcare 17% higher, miscellaneous 5% higher.

The cost of living in Ithaca, NY, shows a mixed picture when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Ithaca stand at 135, which is 35% higher than the national average. This means that housing expenses in Ithaca are significantly more expensive than the average American city. For job seekers considering Ithaca, this higher housing cost could be a critical factor in their budget planning.


Other expenses in Ithaca also vary from the national average. Groceries cost 108, which is 8% higher. Utilities are slightly lower at 92, which is 8% below the national average. Transportation costs are close to the average, with an index of 98, showing almost no difference. Healthcare costs are slightly higher at 117, which is 17% above the national average. Miscellaneous costs are at 105, which is 5% higher. Overall, while Ithaca offers some areas where costs are lower, housing remains a significant expense for those relocating.

There are 922 job openings in Ithaca, NY, today!

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Ithaca, NY
922 Job Openings