Buffalo vs Cortland: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Buffalo, NY and Cortland, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Cortland, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,589▲ | $123,966 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.71▲ | $59.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,854▲ | $76,374 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,713▲ | $99,807 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,507▲ | $155,607 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,205▲ | $191,549 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Cortland is $10,623 (8.57%). Buffalo's median is -2.00% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $117,351,Cortland spans $115,175. 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 ($140,425 effective) pays 31.29% more than Cortland ($106,959 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 ($134,589/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($215,205)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,425)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Buffalo grew 12.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.9% growth in Cortland over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$113,880 (2019) → $127,500 (2025)
Cortland, NY
$143,004 (2024) → $117,437 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Cortland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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