Rochester vs Buffalo: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Rochester, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,597 | $66,982▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.54 | $32.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,042▲ | $54,784 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,547▲ | $62,458 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,701 | $70,851▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,871 | $80,808▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,330▲ | 3,220 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Buffalo is $1,385 (2.11%). 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 Rochester spans $19,829,Buffalo spans $26,024. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($69,886 effective) pays 3.38% more than Rochester ($67,601 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,982/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,808)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,886)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Rochester grew 44.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$42,820 (2019) → $62,060 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$44,600 (2019) → $63,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Rochester or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Buffalo as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Rochester vs Buffalo?
Related Comparisons
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