Salaries in Buffalo, NY

Updated on May 09, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Buffalo, NY?

The average salary in Buffalo, NY is $69,381 per year.

The job market in Buffalo, New York, offers a range of salary opportunities. The average salary stands at around $69,381. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries vary across different sectors, with some industries offering higher pay than others.


Here are some average salary figures for various roles in Buffalo:

  • Construction: $34,470
  • Retail: $19,490
  • Healthcare: $12,500
  • Education: $9,070
  • Manufacturing: $7,200
  • Information Technology: $4,070
  • Finance: $3,510
  • Hospitality: $1,800
  • Arts and Entertainment: $1,380
  • Public Administration: $920
  • Agriculture: $590
These figures show the diversity in earnings across different fields. Job seekers can use this information to explore sectors that align with their skills and interests.

View jobs in Buffalo, NY

What are the best paying jobs in Buffalo, NY?

Job seekers in Buffalo, NY, have several high-paying career options. Physicians, including general dentists and optometrists, lead the way with top salaries. These roles often require specialized education and training, but they also offer excellent compensation. Other well-paying jobs in Buffalo include positions like general counsel, independent contractors, and nurse practitioners. These careers demand a mix of skills and experience, but they provide competitive pay packages. Pharmacists, traveling nurses, and physician assistants also earn strong salaries in this region. These jobs offer stability and the chance to make a significant income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Buffalo, NY, highlighting Physician with the highest at $210,881 and Physician Assistant with the lowest at $124,406.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $210,881
    Physicians in Buffalo, NY, work in various settings, including hospitals and private practices. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Key employers include Kaleida Health and ECMC.
    Find Physician jobs in Buffalo, NY


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $209,432
    Dentists in Buffalo, NY, focus on oral health. They perform cleanings, fillings, and other procedures. Practices like Buffalo Dental Group and private clinics offer opportunities.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Buffalo, NY


  3. Optometrist
    Average Salary: $174,905
    Optometrists in Buffalo, NY, examine eyes and vision. They prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Companies like LensCrafters and private practices provide job openings.
    Find Optometrist jobs in Buffalo, NY


  4. General Counsel
    Average Salary: $166,783
    General Counsels in Buffalo, NY, provide legal advice to organizations. They handle contracts, litigation, and compliance. Firms like Hodgson Russ LLP and corporate legal departments offer roles.
    Find General Counsel jobs in Buffalo, NY


  5. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $153,607
    Independent contractors in Buffalo, NY, offer specialized services. They work in fields like IT, marketing, and consulting. Companies like Accenture and local businesses seek their expertise.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Buffalo, NY


  6. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $137,747
    Nurse Practitioners in Buffalo, NY, provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat conditions. Employers include Kaleida Health and private clinics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Buffalo, NY


  7. Advanced Practice Provider
    Average Salary: $133,617
    Advanced Practice Providers in Buffalo, NY, deliver healthcare services. They work in various specialties. Hospitals like Buffalo General Medical Center and private practices offer positions.
    Find Advanced Practice Provider jobs in Buffalo, NY


  8. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $129,120
    Pharmacists in Buffalo, NY, dispense medications and offer advice. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Companies like CVS Pharmacy and Wegmans provide job opportunities.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Buffalo, NY


  9. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $124,517
    Traveling Nurses in Buffalo, NY, provide care in various locations. They work short-term assignments. Agencies like TravelNurseSource and hospitals offer contracts.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Buffalo, NY


  10. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $124,406
    Physician Assistants in Buffalo, NY, assist in medical care. They perform exams, diagnose, and treat. Employers include Kaleida Health and private practices.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Buffalo, NY

What are the best paying jobs in Buffalo, NY without a degree?

Buffalo, New York offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. These roles provide good earning potential and can be a great fit for those looking to enter the workforce quickly. For example, a Concrete Finisher can earn around $74,034 per year, while a Concrete Laborer can make about $62,000 annually. Other well-paying positions include Restaurant Manager, Canvasser, and Kitchen Manager, all of which offer competitive salaries. These jobs allow individuals to start earning sooner and build a solid career path.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Buffalo, NY without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $74,034 and Grain Elevator Operator with the lowest at $39,643.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $74,034
    This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Workers use tools to shape and level the concrete. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Builders offer these jobs.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Buffalo, NY


  2. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $62,000
    Concrete laborers help with mixing and pouring concrete. They also clean up the work area. Opportunities exist with firms such as Buffalo Concrete and City Builders.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Buffalo, NY


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $47,589
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations. They handle staff, customer service, and inventory. Positions are available with local chains like Buffalo Wings and The Local Bistro.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Buffalo, NY


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $47,525
    Canvassers collect information or promote products. They visit homes and businesses. Companies like Survey Solutions and Local Campaigns hire for these roles.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Buffalo, NY


  5. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $46,981
    Kitchen managers supervise kitchen staff. They ensure food quality and safety. Opportunities are available with restaurants like The Buffalo Grill and City Diners.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Buffalo, NY


  6. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $45,204
    Kitchen team members assist in food preparation. They work under the kitchen manager. Positions can be found at local eateries like Buffalo Bites and City Eats.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Buffalo, NY


  7. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $43,465
    Meat cutters slice and package meat. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Companies like Buffalo Meats and City Butchers offer these jobs.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Buffalo, NY


  8. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $42,286
    Groundskeepers maintain outdoor areas. They mow lawns and trim trees. Opportunities exist with local parks and landscaping firms.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Buffalo, NY


  9. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $41,533
    Food service aides help prepare and serve food. They work in cafeterias and dining halls. Positions can be found at schools and local institutions.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Buffalo, NY


  10. Grain Elevator Operator
    Average Salary: $39,643
    Grain elevator operators manage grain storage. They oversee loading and unloading. Companies like Buffalo Grain and City Elevators offer these jobs.
    Find Grain Elevator Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY

Which companies offer the top salaries in Buffalo, NY?

Job seekers in Buffalo, NY, can find top-paying opportunities with several companies. PwC leads the way with an average salary of $177,074. Other notable employers include HSBC, Air Products, and Favorite Healthcare Staffing, all offering competitive salaries. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making Buffalo a desirable location for professionals seeking higher earnings.
Graph displaying company salaries in Buffalo, NY, highlighting PwC with the highest at $177,074 and VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM with the lowest at $93,861.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $177,074
    PwC is a leading global professional services firm. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. They value teamwork and innovation.


  2. HSBC
    Average Salary: $124,183
    HSBC is a major international bank. They provide banking and financial services. They focus on customer service and global reach.


  3. Air Products
    Average Salary: $121,050
    Air Products is a global chemical company. They produce industrial gases. They are committed to safety and sustainability.


  4. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
    Average Salary: $115,874
    Favorite Healthcare Staffing is a leading staffing agency. They place healthcare professionals. They focus on quality care and staffing solutions.


  5. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $110,950
    The FBI is a federal law enforcement agency. They protect and defend the U.S. They focus on national security and criminal investigations.


  6. Renewal by Andersen
    Average Salary: $105,350
    Renewal by Andersen is a home improvement company. They specialize in windows and doors. They focus on quality and customer satisfaction.


  7. gpac
    Average Salary: $104,289
    gpac is a staffing and recruitment agency. They place candidates in various industries. They focus on matching skills with job opportunities.


  8. WorkFit Medical
    Average Salary: $104,261
    WorkFit Medical is a healthcare staffing agency. They place medical professionals. They focus on providing quality healthcare services.


  9. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $96,382
    The US Department of Veterans Affairs provides benefits and services to veterans. They focus on healthcare and support for veterans.


  10. VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM
    Average Salary: $93,861
    VA HEALTHCARE SYSTEM offers healthcare services to veterans. They focus on providing quality care and support for veterans.

How does the cost of living in Buffalo, NY compare to the national average?

Buffalo, NY, has a cost of living index that is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall index stands at 91, which is 9% lower than the national average of 100. This means that, on average, living expenses in Buffalo are 9% cheaper than in the rest of the country. Specifically, housing costs in Buffalo are 15% lower than the national average, while groceries and utilities are only slightly below the average. Transportation and healthcare costs are close to the national average, with healthcare being 2% higher. Miscellaneous costs are 13% lower than the national average. This data suggests that Buffalo offers a more affordable living environment for many essential expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Buffalo, NY vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 13% lower.

The cost of living index in Buffalo, NY, shows a mixed picture when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Buffalo stand at 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. This makes housing one of the more affordable aspects of living in Buffalo. For job seekers, this could mean more disposable income for other necessities.


Other areas like groceries and utilities also present favorable comparisons. Groceries in Buffalo are at 90, which is 10% lower than the national average. Utilities, at 95, are only 5% higher. Transportation costs are slightly above the national average at 92, indicating a minor increase. Healthcare costs in Buffalo are notably higher, at 98, which is 8% above the national average. Miscellaneous expenses, at 87, are 13% lower than the national average. Overall, Buffalo offers a balanced cost of living with some areas being more affordable than others.

There are 4,105 job openings in Buffalo, NY, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Buffalo, NY

Discover what it's like to work in Buffalo, NY. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Buffalo, NY
4,105 Job Openings