Buffalo vs Valley Stream: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Buffalo, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Valley Stream, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,240▲ | $75,478 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.13▲ | $36.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,551 | $55,265▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,861 | $71,126▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,000▲ | $96,223 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,028 | $116,990▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,810▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Valley Stream.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Valley Stream is $1,762 (2.33%). 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,Valley Stream spans $61,725. Valley Stream 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 23.75% more than Valley Stream ($65,123 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 Valley Stream if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,990)
- ✓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 Valley Stream over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$70,260 (2019) → $76,490 (2025)
Valley Stream, NY
$103,491 (2024) → $74,745 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Buffalo or Valley Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Valley Stream?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Valley Stream as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Buffalo vs Valley Stream?
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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