Auburn vs Buffalo: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Auburn, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,567▲ | $58,176 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.64▲ | $27.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,515 | $47,852▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,971▲ | $51,632 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,588▲ | $64,227 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,767▲ | $68,336 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 340▲ |
Verdict
Auburn, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Auburn and Buffalo is $1,391 (2.39%). Auburn's median is -15.20% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $33,252,Buffalo spans $20,484. Auburn 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 ($60,699 effective) pays 18.10% more than Auburn ($51,395 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,567/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,767)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,699)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Auburn grew -22.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.7% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$74,903 (2024) → $57,984 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$44,710 (2019) → $56,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Auburn or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Buffalo as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Auburn vs Buffalo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov