Buffalo vs Ithaca: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $260,864 | $284,234▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $125.42 | $136.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $109,892 | $189,038▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $230,798 | $247,615▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $294,486 | $342,515▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $322,501 | $384,140▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Ithaca, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $23,370 (8.96%). Ithaca's median is +14.20% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $212,609,Ithaca spans $195,102. 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 ($272,176 effective) pays 10.98% more than Ithaca ($245,241 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $272,176)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($284,234/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($384,140)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Buffalo grew 55.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$159,080 (2019) → $247,970 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$268,368 (2024) → $270,184 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Ithaca?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Ithaca as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Buffalo vs Ithaca?
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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