Buffalo vs Elmira: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Buffalo, NY and Elmira, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Elmira, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,320▲ | $87,218 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.16▲ | $41.93 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,658▲ | $70,610 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,882▲ | $86,565 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,325▲ | $99,160 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,245▲ | $103,678 |
| Total Employed | 13,830▲ | 730 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmira.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Elmira is $17,102 (19.61%). Buffalo's median is +1.55% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $41,587,Elmira spans $33,068. 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, Buffalo ($108,844 effective) pays 17.80% more than Elmira ($92,394 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 ($104,320/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,245)
- ✓Larger job market (13,830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,844)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Elmira if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Buffalo grew 29.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Elmira over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$76,400 (2019) → $99,060 (2025)
Elmira, NY
$67,670 (2019) → $82,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Elmira, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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