Buffalo vs Rochester: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,372▲ | $62,053 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.87▲ | $29.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,406▲ | $32,812 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,365▲ | $41,277 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,932▲ | $81,625 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,292▲ | $103,778 |
| Total Employed | 840 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Rochester is $6,319 (10.18%). Buffalo's median is -14.95% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $68,886,Rochester spans $70,966. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($71,337 effective) pays 11.55% more than Rochester ($63,949 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,372/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,292)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,337)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Buffalo grew -30.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -35.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$93,810 (2021) → $65,440 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$92,520 (2021) → $59,392 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Buffalo or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Buffalo to Rochester as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov