Pharmacist Salary

Buffalo vs Rome: Pharmacist Salary (2026)

Compare pharmacist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Rome, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Buffalo, NY
$140,424
$67.51/hr
Rome, NY
$130,897
$62.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBuffalo, NYRome, NY
Median Salary$140,424$130,897
Hourly Rate$67.51$62.93
Entry Level (P10)$72,503$98,775
25th Percentile$125,882$123,760
75th Percentile$163,346$144,213
Top Earner (P90)$179,791$157,797
Total Employed1,4006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Buffalo ($140,424) and Rome ($130,897) pharmacist salaries.BuffaloRomeMedian Salary$140,424$130,897Entry Level (P10)$72,503$98,775Top Earner (P90)$179,791$157,797US Median $143,489

Verdict

Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rome.

The salary gap between Buffalo and Rome is $9,527 (7.28%). Buffalo's median is -2.14% compared to the US national median of $143,489.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $107,288,Rome spans $59,022. Buffalo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Buffalo
P10 (Entry)$72,503
P25$125,882
Median$140,424
P75$163,346
P90 (Top)$179,791
Rome
P10 (Entry)$98,775
P25$123,760
Median$130,897
P75$144,213
P90 (Top)$157,797

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($146,513 effective) pays 29.73% more than Rome ($112,940 effective).

Buffalo
Nominal: $140,424
CoL Index: 95.844
Adjusted: $146,513
Rome
Nominal: $130,897
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $112,940

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 ($140,424/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($179,791)
  • Larger job market (1,400 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $146,513)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Rome if…

  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Buffalo grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -18.6% growth in Rome over the same period.

Buffalo, NY

+10.3%

$125,040 (2019) → $137,900 (2025)

Rome, NY

+-18.6%

$158,012 (2024) → $128,545 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays pharmacists more: Buffalo or Rome?

Buffalo has a higher median pharmacist salary at $140,424/year, compared to Rome at $130,897/year — a difference of $9,527 (7.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Rome?

Buffalo pharmacists earn $67.51/hr while Rome hygienists earn $62.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Buffalo to Rome as a pharmacist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Buffalo and Rome. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Buffalo = $146,513, Rome = $112,940), job availability (1,400 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level pharmacists earn in Buffalo vs Rome?

Entry-level (10th percentile) pharmacists earn $72,503 in Buffalo and $98,775 in Rome. The Rome area offers higher starting salaries.

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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD

Career Analyst

Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Patel, PharmDData verified by Amina Al-Sayed, PharmD

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov