Auburn vs Buffalo: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Auburn, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $274,161▲ | $260,864 |
| Hourly Rate | $131.81▲ | $125.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $188,381▲ | $109,892 |
| 25th Percentile | $243,516▲ | $230,798 |
| 75th Percentile | $340,928▲ | $294,486 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $386,823▲ | $322,501 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 50▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Auburn and Buffalo is $13,297 (5.10%). Auburn's median is +10.15% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $198,442,Buffalo spans $212,609. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($272,176 effective) pays 15.06% more than Auburn ($236,550 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($274,161/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($386,823)
- ✓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 Auburn grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.9% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$258,857 (2024) → $260,609 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$159,080 (2019) → $247,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Auburn or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Buffalo as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Auburn vs 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