Albany vs Buffalo: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $278,717▲ | $260,864 |
| Hourly Rate | $134.00▲ | $125.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $176,205▲ | $109,892 |
| 25th Percentile | $236,436▲ | $230,798 |
| 75th Percentile | $344,849▲ | $294,486 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $393,284▲ | $322,501 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $17,853 (6.84%). Albany's median is +11.98% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $217,079,Buffalo spans $212,609. Albany 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 ($272,176 effective) pays 13.18% more than Albany ($240,481 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($278,717/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($393,284)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $272,176)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Albany grew 35.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 55.9% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$195,730 (2021) → $264,940 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$159,080 (2019) → $247,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Albany or Buffalo?
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Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov