Buffalo vs Cortland: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Cortland, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Cortland, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,197▲ | $80,121 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.44▲ | $38.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,326 | $55,713▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,065▲ | $65,693 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,538▲ | $92,318 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,034▲ | $102,173 |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Cortland is $6,076 (7.58%). Buffalo's median is -15.31% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $67,708,Cortland spans $46,460. 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 ($89,935 effective) pays 30.10% more than Cortland ($69,129 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 ($86,197/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,034)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,935)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Buffalo grew 16.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -24.8% growth in Cortland over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$71,310 (2019) → $82,890 (2025)
Cortland, NY
$102,450 (2024) → $77,047 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Cortland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Buffalo or Cortland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Cortland?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Cortland as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Buffalo vs Cortland?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov