Amsterdam vs Buffalo: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Amsterdam, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amsterdam, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,751 | $81,622▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.05 | $39.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,523 | $64,326▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $61,366 | $71,293▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,712 | $85,395▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,735 | $142,174▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Amsterdam.
The salary gap between Amsterdam and Buffalo is $12,871 (18.72%). Buffalo's median is +19.78% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amsterdam spans $39,212,Buffalo spans $77,848. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($85,161 effective) pays 43.56% more than Amsterdam ($59,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amsterdam if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,622/year)
- ✓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
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Amsterdam grew -6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.2% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Amsterdam, NY
$69,388 (2024) → $65,229 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$55,230 (2019) → $77,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amsterdam, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Amsterdam or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amsterdam and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Amsterdam to Buffalo as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Amsterdam vs Buffalo?
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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