Binghamton vs Buffalo: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Binghamton, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Binghamton, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,121▲ | $104,320 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.50▲ | $50.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,036 | $82,658▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,957▲ | $89,882 |
| 75th Percentile | $122,370▲ | $114,325 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,370 | $124,245▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,570 | 13,830▲ |
Verdict
Binghamton and Buffalo are closely matched on overall registered nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Binghamton and Buffalo is $2,801 (2.69%). Binghamton's median is +4.27% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Binghamton spans $40,334,Buffalo spans $41,587. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Binghamton ($115,354 effective) pays 5.98% more than Buffalo ($108,844 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Binghamton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,121/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,354)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,245)
- ✓Larger job market (13,830 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Binghamton grew 50.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.7% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Binghamton, NY
$67,720 (2019) → $101,720 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$76,400 (2019) → $99,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Binghamton, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Binghamton or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Binghamton and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Binghamton to Buffalo as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Binghamton vs Buffalo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov