Buffalo vs Elmira: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Elmira, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Elmira, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,613▲ | $93,773 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.89▲ | $45.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,914▲ | $70,209 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,617 | $85,193▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182▲ | $106,355 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,253▲ | $139,269 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmira.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Elmira is $5,840 (6.23%). Buffalo's median is -3.75% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $80,339,Elmira spans $69,060. 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 ($103,932 effective) pays 4.63% more than Elmira ($99,338 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 ($99,613/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,253)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,932)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Elmira if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Buffalo grew 14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Elmira over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$84,560 (2019) → $97,060 (2025)
Elmira, NY
$75,760 (2019) → $91,370 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Elmira, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Buffalo or Elmira?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov