Buffalo vs Oneonta: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Buffalo, NY and Oneonta, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Oneonta, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,555 | $132,912▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.77 | $63.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,101 | $107,368▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,734 | $124,013▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,618 | $157,027▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,221 | $176,485▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Oneonta, NY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Oneonta is $2,357 (1.81%). Oneonta's median is -5.33% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $64,120,Oneonta spans $69,117. Oneonta has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($136,216 effective) pays 18.78% more than Oneonta ($114,678 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 (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,216)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Oneonta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,912/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,485)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Buffalo grew 23.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.8% growth in Oneonta over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$102,410 (2019) → $126,360 (2025)
Oneonta, NY
$149,257 (2024) → $128,641 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Oneonta, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Buffalo or Oneonta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Oneonta?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Oneonta as a physician assistant?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov