Buffalo vs Rochester: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,622▲ | $64,062 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.24▲ | $30.80 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,326▲ | $42,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,293▲ | $54,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,395▲ | $68,025 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,174▲ | $78,544 |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 340 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Rochester is $17,560 (27.41%). 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 Buffalo spans $77,848,Rochester spans $35,994. 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 28.99% more than Rochester ($66,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓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 36.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$55,230 (2019) → $77,440 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$44,540 (2019) → $60,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Buffalo or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Rochester as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Buffalo vs Rochester?
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