Buffalo vs New York: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Buffalo, NY and New York, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | New York, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,157 | $110,298▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.19 | $53.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,839 | $77,245▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,058 | $97,849▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,522 | $132,542▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,284 | $145,360▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,410 | 21,240▲ |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and New York is $12,141 (12.37%). New York's median is +4.76% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $51,445,New York spans $68,115. New York 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 4.52% more than New York ($97,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,413)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,298/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,360)
- ✓Larger job market (21,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Buffalo grew 26.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in New York over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$75,750 (2019) → $95,800 (2025)
New York, NY
$96,350 (2019) → $107,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Buffalo or New York?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and New York?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to New York as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Buffalo vs New York?
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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