Buffalo vs Rochester: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist 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 | $535,688▲ | $382,512 |
| Hourly Rate | $257.54▲ | $183.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $174,400▲ | $70,799 |
| 25th Percentile | $413,956▲ | $78,448 |
| 75th Percentile | $578,313▲ | $424,981 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $578,313▲ | $471,274 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 200 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Rochester is $153,176 (40.04%). Buffalo's median is +30.94% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $403,913,Rochester spans $400,475. 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 ($558,917 effective) pays 41.79% more than Rochester ($394,200 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 ($535,688/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($578,313)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $558,917)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Buffalo grew 9.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$468,168 (2024) → $512,620 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$218,190 (2022) → $366,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Buffalo or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Rochester?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov