Buffalo vs Niagara Falls: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Niagara Falls, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,782 | $138,391▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $65.76 | $66.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,074▲ | $107,669 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,750 | $123,070▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $155,589 | $158,813▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $172,037▲ | $170,996 |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Niagara Falls are closely matched on overall nurse practitioner compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Niagara Falls is $1,609 (1.18%). Niagara Falls's median is +1.12% 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,Niagara Falls spans $63,327. 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 19.52% more than Niagara Falls ($119,406 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓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 Niagara Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($138,391/year)
- ✓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 Niagara Falls over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$103,050 (2019) → $132,220 (2025)
Niagara Falls, NY
$165,563 (2024) → $133,776 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Niagara Falls, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Buffalo or Niagara Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Niagara Falls?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Niagara Falls as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Buffalo vs Niagara Falls?
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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