Buffalo vs Watertown: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $334,215 | $507,909▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $160.68 | $244.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,339 | $294,587▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,339 | $365,695▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $550,988 | $595,078▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $550,988 | $681,764▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, NY offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Watertown is $173,694 (51.97%). Watertown's median is +14.94% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $442,649,Watertown spans $387,177. Buffalo 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, Watertown ($438,230 effective) pays 25.67% more than Buffalo ($348,707 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 (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($507,909/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($681,764)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $438,230)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Buffalo grew -32.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$468,168 (2024) → $318,300 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$459,747 (2024) → $483,723 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov