Buffalo vs Rochester: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant 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 | $130,555 | $134,760▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.77 | $64.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,101 | $112,753▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,734 | $133,789▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,618▲ | $137,777 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,221▲ | $160,549 |
| Total Employed | 1,040 | 1,230▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Rochester is $4,205 (3.22%). Rochester's median is -4.01% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $64,120,Rochester spans $47,796. 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, Rochester ($138,878 effective) pays 1.95% more than Buffalo ($136,216 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,221)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,760/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,878)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Buffalo grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$102,410 (2019) → $126,360 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$104,190 (2019) → $130,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Buffalo or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Rochester as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Buffalo vs Rochester?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov