Albany vs Buffalo: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,634 | $83,427▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.76 | $40.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,777 | $60,517▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $64,114 | $71,245▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,382 | $97,227▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,338 | $103,338 |
| Total Employed | 1,770 | 2,110▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Albany.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $2,793 (3.46%). Buffalo's median is +6.22% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $51,561,Buffalo spans $42,821. Albany has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($87,045 effective) pays 7.48% more than Albany ($80,985 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,427/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,045)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Albany grew 15.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$67,910 (2019) → $78,240 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$69,080 (2019) → $80,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Albany vs Buffalo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov