Buffalo vs Cortland: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Buffalo, NY and Cortland, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Cortland, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,240▲ | $71,605 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.13▲ | $34.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,551 | $57,944▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,861 | $66,681▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,000▲ | $89,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,028 | $108,832▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,810▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Cortland is $5,635 (7.87%). Buffalo's median is +19.57% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $59,477,Cortland spans $50,888. 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 ($80,589 effective) pays 30.44% more than Cortland ($61,782 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 ($77,240/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,810 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,589)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,832)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Buffalo grew 8.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -27.8% growth in Cortland over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$70,260 (2019) → $76,490 (2025)
Cortland, NY
$98,182 (2024) → $70,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Cortland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov