Buffalo vs Ithaca: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $66,982 | $68,420▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.21 | $32.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,784 | $58,262▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,458 | $65,597▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,851 | $74,666▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,808▲ | $77,362 |
| Total Employed | 3,220▲ | 220 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Ithaca are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $1,438 (2.15%). Ithaca's median is +0.51% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $26,024,Ithaca spans $19,100. 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 ($69,886 effective) pays 5.53% more than Ithaca ($66,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,808)
- ✓Larger job market (3,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,886)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,420/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Buffalo grew 42.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.0% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$44,600 (2019) → $63,370 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$44,640 (2019) → $64,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Ithaca?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Ithaca as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Buffalo vs Ithaca?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov