Buffalo vs Syracuse: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Buffalo, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,555 | $137,416▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.77 | $66.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,101 | $104,560▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,734 | $115,315▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,618 | $161,902▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,221 | $176,264▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 590 |
Verdict
Syracuse, NY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Syracuse is $6,861 (5.26%). Syracuse's median is -2.12% 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,Syracuse spans $71,704. Syracuse 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, Syracuse ($143,527 effective) pays 5.37% more than Buffalo ($136,216 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)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,416/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,264)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,527)
- ✓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 15.1% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$102,410 (2019) → $126,360 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$115,580 (2019) → $133,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Buffalo or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Syracuse as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Buffalo vs Syracuse?
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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