Buffalo vs Oswego: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Buffalo, NY and Oswego, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Oswego, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,982▲ | $62,333 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.21▲ | $29.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,784▲ | $53,597 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,458▲ | $58,941 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,851 | $72,418▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,808▲ | $77,215 |
| Total Employed | 3,220▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oswego.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Oswego is $4,649 (7.46%). 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,Oswego spans $23,618. 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 29.94% more than Oswego ($53,782 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 Oswego 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 Oswego over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$44,600 (2019) → $63,370 (2025)
Oswego, NY
$67,393 (2024) → $58,972 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Oswego, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Buffalo or Oswego?
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Should I relocate from Buffalo to Oswego 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