Buffalo vs Troy: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Troy, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Troy, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,613 | $107,247▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.89 | $51.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,914▲ | $72,075 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,617 | $83,830▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182 | $137,277▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,253 | $166,233▲ |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Troy, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Troy is $7,634 (7.66%). Troy's median is +3.63% 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,Troy spans $94,158. Troy 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, Buffalo ($103,932 effective) pays 12.32% more than Troy ($92,534 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,932)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,247/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,233)
- ✓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 -24.3% growth in Troy over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$84,560 (2019) → $97,060 (2025)
Troy, NY
$138,075 (2024) → $104,499 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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