Buffalo vs Kingston: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Kingston, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Kingston, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,613 | $113,519▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.89 | $54.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,914 | $75,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,617 | $93,773▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182▲ | $125,137 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,253 | $161,304▲ |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Kingston, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Kingston is $13,906 (13.96%). Kingston's median is +9.69% 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,Kingston spans $86,015. Kingston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kingston ($112,720 effective) pays 8.45% more than Buffalo ($103,932 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,519/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,304)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,720)
- ✓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 41.7% growth in Kingston over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$84,560 (2019) → $97,060 (2025)
Kingston, NY
$78,050 (2019) → $110,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Kingston, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Buffalo or Kingston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Kingston?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Kingston as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Buffalo vs Kingston?
Related Comparisons
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