Buffalo vs Ithaca: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Ithaca, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,424 | $154,558▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.51 | $74.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,503 | $113,978▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,882 | $133,845▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $163,346 | $164,863▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $179,791▲ | $164,863 |
| Total Employed | 1,400▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Ithaca are closely matched on overall pharmacist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $14,134 (10.07%). Ithaca's median is +7.71% 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,Ithaca spans $50,885. 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, Ithaca ($149,596 effective) pays 2.10% more than Buffalo ($146,513 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 ($179,791)
- ✓Larger job market (1,400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,558/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $149,596)
- ✓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 10.0% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$125,040 (2019) → $137,900 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$137,940 (2019) → $151,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacists more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Ithaca?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Ithaca as a pharmacist?
What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Buffalo vs Ithaca?
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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