Buffalo vs Niagara Falls: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Buffalo, NY and Niagara Falls, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Niagara Falls, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,240▲ | $76,612 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.13▲ | $36.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,551 | $58,319▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,861 | $68,932▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,000▲ | $94,619 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,028 | $117,899▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,810▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Niagara Falls.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Niagara Falls is $628 (0.82%). 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,Niagara Falls spans $59,580. Niagara Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($80,589 effective) pays 21.92% more than Niagara Falls ($66,102 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 Niagara Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,899)
- ✓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 Niagara Falls over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$70,260 (2019) → $76,490 (2025)
Niagara Falls, NY
$105,047 (2024) → $75,868 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Niagara Falls, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Buffalo or Niagara Falls?
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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