Buffalo vs Syracuse: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Buffalo, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,372 | $72,671▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.87 | $34.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,406 | $42,555▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,365 | $53,608▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,932 | $98,322▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,292 | $111,621▲ |
| Total Employed | 840▲ | 350 |
Verdict
Syracuse, NY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Syracuse is $4,299 (6.29%). Syracuse's median is -9.61% 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,Syracuse spans $69,066. Syracuse 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, Syracuse ($75,903 effective) pays 6.40% more than Buffalo ($71,337 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 (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,671/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,621)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,903)
- ✓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 -10.7% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$93,810 (2021) → $65,440 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$77,910 (2021) → $69,555 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Buffalo or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Syracuse as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Buffalo vs Syracuse?
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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