Buffalo vs Oneonta: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Buffalo, NY and Oneonta, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Oneonta, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,982▲ | $62,024 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.21▲ | $29.82 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,784▲ | $52,808 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,458▲ | $59,668 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,851 | $71,701▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,808▲ | $76,253 |
| Total Employed | 3,220▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oneonta.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Oneonta is $4,958 (7.99%). Buffalo's median is -1.60% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $26,024,Oneonta spans $23,445. 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 ($69,886 effective) pays 30.59% more than Oneonta ($53,515 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 ($66,982/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,808)
- ✓Larger job market (3,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,886)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Oneonta if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Buffalo grew 42.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.5% growth in Oneonta over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$44,600 (2019) → $63,370 (2025)
Oneonta, NY
$67,057 (2024) → $58,679 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Oneonta, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Buffalo or Oneonta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Oneonta?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Oneonta as a licensed practical nurse?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov