How does a Police Officer's salary in Buffalo compare to the rest of New York?

Buffalo's cost of living index is 88 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $63,606 earns $11,206 more than the median household income in Buffalo ($52,400).

Police Officer Salary in Buffalo, NY — 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.

Police Officer Salary in Buffalo — Key Numbers

$63,606

Median Salary

$48,250

25th Percentile

$85,906

75th Percentile

$109,736

90th Percentile

National median (Police Officer)$72,280

vs. National median-12.0%

Buffalo median household income$52,400

vs. City household income+21.4%

Cost of Living in Buffalo

Cost of Living Index

88(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,125/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio21.2%

Annual rent cost$13,500

Median Home Price$215,000

Home Price / Salary3.4×

20% Down Payment$43,000

Years to save (20% rate)3.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× 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.

Financial Calculators for Buffalo

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Cost of Living — Buffalo

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Police Officer Salary in New York

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Buffalo

Physician$201,784 Chief Executive Officer$184,800 Dentist$154,449 IT Manager$149,169 Marketing Manager$138,706 Lawyer$128,269

Police Officer Salary — Other New York Cities

New York, NY$135,164 Rochester, NY$62,161 Albany, NY$68,666 Poughkeepsie, NY$86,736 Syracuse, NY$62,161

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Police Officer make in Buffalo, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Police Officer in Buffalo is $63,606 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $72,280 adjusted by Buffalo's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $48,250 (25th percentile) to $85,906 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $109,736.

Is Buffalo affordable for a Police Officer?

On a $63,606 annual salary, a Police Officer in Buffalo would spend approximately 21.2% 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 3.4× the annual salary.

How does a Police Officer's salary compare to Buffalo's overall income?

Buffalo's median household income is $52,400. A Police Officer earning the city-adjusted median of $63,606 earns 21.4% more than the typical Buffalo household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Police Officer — National Police Officer in New York All Salary Guides

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.