Buffalo vs Lackawanna: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Buffalo, NY and Lackawanna, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Lackawanna, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,782▲ | $131,470 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.76▲ | $63.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,074 | $112,262▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $115,750 | $123,649▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,589▲ | $152,914 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,037▲ | $165,152 |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lackawanna.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Lackawanna is $5,312 (4.04%). Buffalo's median is -0.06% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $63,963,Lackawanna spans $52,890. 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 ($142,713 effective) pays 25.81% more than Lackawanna ($113,434 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 ($136,782/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,037)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,713)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Lackawanna if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Buffalo grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.2% growth in Lackawanna over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$103,050 (2019) → $132,220 (2025)
Lackawanna, NY
$157,283 (2024) → $127,086 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Lackawanna, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Buffalo or Lackawanna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Lackawanna?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Lackawanna as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Buffalo vs Lackawanna?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov