Buffalo vs Long Beach: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Buffalo, NY and Long Beach, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Long Beach, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,176 | $61,780▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.97 | $29.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,852▲ | $43,811 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,632 | $53,915▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,227 | $68,880▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,336 | $75,840▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Long Beach, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Long Beach is $3,604 (6.19%). Long Beach's median is -12.05% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $20,484,Long Beach spans $32,029. Long Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($60,699 effective) pays 13.87% more than Long Beach ($53,305 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,699)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,780/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,840)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Buffalo grew 26.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -22.6% growth in Long Beach over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$44,710 (2019) → $56,630 (2025)
Long Beach, NY
$77,686 (2024) → $60,138 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Long Beach, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Buffalo or Long Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Long Beach?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Long Beach as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Buffalo vs Long Beach?
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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