Buffalo vs Yonkers: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Yonkers, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Yonkers, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,427 | $84,086▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.11 | $40.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,517▲ | $50,554 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,245▲ | $63,711 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,227 | $107,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,338 | $130,333▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,110▲ | 45 |
Verdict
Yonkers, NY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Yonkers is $659 (0.79%). Yonkers's median is +7.06% 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,Yonkers spans $79,779. Yonkers 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 19.98% more than Yonkers ($72,550 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,045)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Yonkers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,086/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,333)
- ✓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 -16.3% growth in Yonkers over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$69,080 (2019) → $80,950 (2025)
Yonkers, NY
$97,486 (2024) → $81,589 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Yonkers, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Buffalo or Yonkers?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Yonkers?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Yonkers as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Buffalo vs Yonkers?
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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