Buffalo vs Schenectady: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Buffalo, NY and Schenectady, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Schenectady, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,070 | $125,926▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.47 | $60.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,290 | $73,037▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,872 | $90,666▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,322▲ | $161,185 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $386,363▲ | $195,185 |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Schenectady are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Schenectady is $18,856 (17.61%). Schenectady's median is +16.02% 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,Schenectady spans $122,148. 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 ($111,713 effective) pays 2.82% more than Schenectady ($108,651 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,713)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Schenectady if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($125,926/year)
- ✓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 -35.4% growth in Schenectady over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$95,080 (2019) → $103,650 (2025)
Schenectady, NY
$188,578 (2024) → $121,903 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Schenectady, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Buffalo or Schenectady?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Schenectady?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Schenectady as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Buffalo vs Schenectady?
Related Comparisons
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