Buffalo vs Cortland: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Cortland, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Cortland, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,424▲ | $131,344 |
| Hourly Rate | $67.51▲ | $63.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,503 | $99,987▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,882▲ | $124,484 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,346▲ | $148,526 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,791▲ | $151,497 |
| Total Employed | 1,400▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Cortland is $9,080 (6.91%). Buffalo's median is -2.14% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $107,288,Cortland spans $51,510. 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 ($146,513 effective) pays 29.29% more than Cortland ($113,325 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 ($140,424/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($179,791)
- ✓Larger job market (1,400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,513)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Buffalo grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.9% growth in Cortland over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$125,040 (2019) → $137,900 (2025)
Cortland, NY
$151,541 (2024) → $128,984 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Cortland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov