Buffalo vs Elmira: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian 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 | $134,589▲ | $127,432 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.71▲ | $61.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,854▲ | $75,291 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,713▲ | $100,414 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,507▲ | $159,368 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,205▲ | $197,520 |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmira.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Elmira is $7,157 (5.62%). 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,Elmira spans $122,229. Elmira has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($140,425 effective) pays 27.72% more than Elmira ($109,950 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 Elmira 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 Elmira over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$113,880 (2019) → $127,500 (2025)
Elmira, NY
$147,001 (2024) → $120,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Elmira, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Buffalo or Elmira?
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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