Buffalo vs Lackawanna: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Lackawanna, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Lackawanna, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,543▲ | $155,564 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.99▲ | $74.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,807▲ | $96,796 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,400 | $131,742▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $174,064 | $184,651▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,938 | $219,113▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lackawanna.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Lackawanna is $14,979 (9.63%). Buffalo's median is +21.29% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $66,131,Lackawanna spans $122,317. Lackawanna has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced optometrists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($177,938 effective) pays 32.57% more than Lackawanna ($134,223 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 ($170,543/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,938)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Lackawanna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,113)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Buffalo grew 36.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Lackawanna over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$121,560 (2019) → $165,640 (2025)
Lackawanna, NY
$162,706 (2024) → $151,092 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Lackawanna, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Buffalo or Lackawanna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Lackawanna?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Lackawanna as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Buffalo vs Lackawanna?
Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov