Buffalo vs Ithaca: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Buffalo, NY and Ithaca, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Ithaca, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,070 | $135,261▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.47 | $65.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,290 | $82,950▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,872 | $104,643▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,322▲ | $179,411 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $386,363▲ | $304,673 |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Ithaca are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $28,191 (26.33%). Ithaca's median is +24.62% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $324,073,Ithaca spans $221,723. 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, Ithaca ($130,918 effective) pays 17.19% more than Buffalo ($111,713 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($386,363)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,261/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,918)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Buffalo grew 9.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 111.7% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$95,080 (2019) → $103,650 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$61,850 (2019) → $130,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov