Albany vs Buffalo: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,333 | $98,157▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.31 | $47.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,880▲ | $67,839 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,122▲ | $79,058 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,974 | $107,522▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,179 | $119,284▲ |
| Total Employed | 790 | 1,410▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $1,824 (1.89%). Buffalo's median is -6.77% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $38,299,Buffalo spans $51,445. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($102,413 effective) pays 5.85% more than Albany ($96,753 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,157/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,284)
- ✓Larger job market (1,410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,413)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Albany grew 19.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$78,460 (2019) → $94,020 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$75,750 (2019) → $95,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Albany vs Buffalo?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov