New York vs Buffalo: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between New York, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $175,662▲ | $107,070 |
| Hourly Rate | $84.45▲ | $51.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,210▲ | $62,290 |
| 25th Percentile | $115,696▲ | $69,872 |
| 75th Percentile | $312,266▲ | $181,322 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $434,511▲ | $386,363 |
| Total Employed | 23,980▲ | 690 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between New York and Buffalo is $68,592 (64.06%). New York's median is +61.85% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $350,301,Buffalo spans $324,073. New York 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, New York ($156,057 effective) pays 39.69% 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 New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,662/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($434,511)
- ✓Larger job market (23,980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,057)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in New York grew 20.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.0% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
New York, NY
$140,620 (2019) → $170,050 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$95,080 (2019) → $103,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: New York or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from New York to Buffalo as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in New York vs Buffalo?
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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