Buffalo vs Ithaca: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $86,197▲ | $84,700 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.44▲ | $40.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,326 | $70,006▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,065 | $76,183▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,538▲ | $106,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,034 | $145,524▲ |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ithaca.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $1,497 (1.77%). 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,Ithaca spans $75,518. Ithaca has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($89,935 effective) pays 9.70% more than Ithaca ($81,981 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)
- ✓Larger job market (850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,935)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($145,524)
- ✓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 25.5% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$71,310 (2019) → $82,890 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$64,880 (2019) → $81,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Ithaca?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Ithaca as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Buffalo vs Ithaca?
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