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Physical Therapist Salary in Buffalo, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Buffalo's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Physical Therapist Salary in Buffalo β€” Key Numbers

$87,745
Median Salary
$71,588
25th Percentile
$104,553
75th Percentile
$122,276
90th Percentile
National median (Physical Therapist)$99,710
vs. National median-12.0%
Buffalo median household income$52,400
vs. City household income+67.5%

Cost of Living in Buffalo

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,125/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio15.4%
Annual rent cost$13,500
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary2.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Buffalo

4.2%
Unemployment Rate
1,200,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
36.2
Median Age

Buffalo has a metro population of 1,200,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 4.2% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Physical Therapist make in Buffalo, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Physical Therapist in Buffalo is $87,745 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,710 adjusted by Buffalo's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $71,588 (25th percentile) to $104,553 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $122,276.

Is Buffalo affordable for a Physical Therapist?

On a $87,745 annual salary, a Physical Therapist in Buffalo would spend approximately 15.4% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,125/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Buffalo relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 2.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Physical Therapist's salary compare to Buffalo's overall income?

Buffalo's median household income is $52,400. A Physical Therapist earning the city-adjusted median of $87,745 earns 67.5% more than the typical Buffalo household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.