Buffalo vs Utica: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Utica, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Utica, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,427▲ | $62,362 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.11▲ | $29.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,517▲ | $49,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,245▲ | $49,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,227▲ | $86,168 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,338▲ | $102,473 |
| Total Employed | 2,110▲ | 700 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Utica.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Utica is $21,065 (33.78%). 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 Buffalo spans $42,821,Utica spans $52,953. Utica has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced police officers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($87,045 effective) pays 29.36% more than Utica ($67,289 effective).
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 ($83,427/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,338)
- ✓Larger job market (2,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,045)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Utica if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Buffalo grew 17.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.8% growth in Utica over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$69,080 (2019) → $80,950 (2025)
Utica, NY
$59,440 (2019) → $60,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Buffalo or Utica?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Utica?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Utica as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Buffalo vs Utica?
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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