Albany vs Buffalo: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,001▲ | $134,589 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.83▲ | $64.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,974▲ | $97,854 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,566▲ | $107,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,463▲ | $161,507 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $246,282▲ | $215,205 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $4,412 (3.28%). Albany's median is +1.21% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $143,308,Buffalo spans $117,351. Albany 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 ($140,425 effective) pays 0.59% more than Albany ($139,607 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($139,001/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($246,282)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,425)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Albany grew 12.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$117,590 (2019) → $131,680 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$113,880 (2019) → $127,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a veterinarian?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov