Buffalo vs Schenectady: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Schenectady, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Schenectady, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,197▲ | $83,582 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.44▲ | $40.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,326 | $54,461▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,065 | $66,314▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,538▲ | $99,204 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,034▲ | $113,176 |
| Total Employed | 850▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Schenectady.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Schenectady is $2,615 (3.13%). 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,Schenectady spans $58,715. 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 24.71% more than Schenectady ($72,116 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 Schenectady 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 -25.4% growth in Schenectady over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$71,310 (2019) → $82,890 (2025)
Schenectady, NY
$107,759 (2024) → $80,375 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Schenectady, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Buffalo or Schenectady?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Schenectady?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Schenectady as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Buffalo vs Schenectady?
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