Buffalo vs Troy: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Troy, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Troy, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $170,543 | $172,219▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $81.99 | $82.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,807▲ | $99,887 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,400 | $136,064▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $174,064 | $209,271▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $175,938 | $255,438▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Troy, NY offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Troy is $1,676 (0.98%). Troy's median is +22.48% 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,Troy spans $155,551. Troy 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 19.75% more than Troy ($148,593 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $177,938)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($172,219/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($255,438)
- ✓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 -4.7% growth in Troy over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$121,560 (2019) → $165,640 (2025)
Troy, NY
$175,519 (2024) → $167,268 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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