Buffalo vs North Tonawanda: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Buffalo, NY and North Tonawanda, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | North Tonawanda, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,176 | $59,859▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.97 | $28.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,852▲ | $44,202 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,632 | $53,581▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,227 | $69,286▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,336 | $77,738▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 8 |
Verdict
North Tonawanda, NY offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and North Tonawanda is $1,683 (2.89%). North Tonawanda's median is -14.79% 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,North Tonawanda spans $33,536. North Tonawanda 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 17.53% more than North Tonawanda ($51,647 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 North Tonawanda if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,859/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,738)
- ✓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 North Tonawanda over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$44,710 (2019) → $56,630 (2025)
North Tonawanda, NY
$75,270 (2024) → $58,268 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
North Tonawanda, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Buffalo or North Tonawanda?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and North Tonawanda?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to North Tonawanda as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Buffalo vs North Tonawanda?
Related Comparisons
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