Buffalo vs Rochester: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,157▲ | $85,114 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.19▲ | $40.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,839▲ | $67,695 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,058▲ | $78,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,522▲ | $100,103 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,284▲ | $115,513 |
| Total Employed | 1,410▲ | 1,140 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Rochester is $13,043 (15.32%). 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 Buffalo spans $51,445,Rochester spans $47,818. Buffalo 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, Buffalo ($102,413 effective) pays 16.76% more than Rochester ($87,715 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓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 8.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$75,750 (2019) → $95,800 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$76,270 (2019) → $83,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Buffalo or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Rochester as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Buffalo vs Rochester?
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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