Buffalo vs Kingston: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Buffalo, NY and Kingston, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Kingston, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,589 | $143,308▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.71 | $68.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,854 | $105,043▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $107,713 | $125,194▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $161,507 | $172,950▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $215,205 | $220,768▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Kingston, NY offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Kingston is $8,719 (6.48%). Kingston's median is +4.35% 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,Kingston spans $115,725. 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, Kingston ($142,299 effective) pays 1.33% more than Buffalo ($140,425 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,308/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($220,768)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,299)
- ✓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 Kingston over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$113,880 (2019) → $127,500 (2025)
Kingston, NY
$115,110 (2019) → $135,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Kingston, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Buffalo or Kingston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Kingston?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Kingston as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Buffalo vs Kingston?
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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