Buffalo vs New York: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist 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 | $170,543▲ | $165,796 |
| Hourly Rate | $81.99▲ | $79.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,807▲ | $107,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,400 | $133,848▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $174,064 | $184,319▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,938 | $209,060▲ |
| Total Employed | 160 | 2,580▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo and New York are closely matched on overall optometrist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and New York is $4,747 (2.86%). 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,New York spans $101,230. New York 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 20.81% more than New York ($147,292 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,938)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose New York if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($209,060)
- ✓Larger job market (2,580 employed)
- ✓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 29.3% growth in New York over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$121,560 (2019) → $165,640 (2025)
New York, NY
$124,570 (2019) → $161,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
New York, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists 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 optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Buffalo vs New York?
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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