Buffalo vs Ithaca: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $81,622 | $81,959▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.24 | $39.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,326▲ | $61,237 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,293 | $80,599▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,395▲ | $82,929 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,174▲ | $94,944 |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Buffalo and Ithaca are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Ithaca is $337 (0.41%). Ithaca's median is +20.28% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $77,848,Ithaca spans $33,707. 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 ($85,161 effective) pays 7.35% more than Ithaca ($79,328 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 ($142,174)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,161)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Ithaca if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,959/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Buffalo grew 40.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Ithaca over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$55,230 (2019) → $77,440 (2025)
Ithaca, NY
$73,088 (2024) → $77,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Buffalo or Ithaca?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Ithaca?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Ithaca as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Buffalo vs Ithaca?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov