Binghamton vs Buffalo: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Binghamton, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Binghamton, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,358▲ | $65,558 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.38▲ | $31.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,374▲ | $34,184 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,744▲ | $34,449 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,218 | $89,245▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,405▲ | $97,081 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Binghamton, NY offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Binghamton and Buffalo is $1,800 (2.75%). Binghamton's median is +8.69% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Binghamton spans $65,031,Buffalo spans $62,897. Binghamton 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 ($68,401 effective) pays 17.69% more than Binghamton ($58,117 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Binghamton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,358/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($104,405)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,401)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Binghamton grew 20.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.2% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Binghamton, NY
$52,640 (2019) → $63,527 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$41,720 (2019) → $61,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Binghamton, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Binghamton or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Binghamton and Buffalo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov