Binghamton vs Buffalo: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $85,673 | $86,544▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.19 | $41.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,928▲ | $65,818 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,317 | $81,444▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,495▲ | $101,666 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,423▲ | $103,408 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Binghamton.
The salary gap between Binghamton and Buffalo is $871 (1.02%). Buffalo's median is -15.93% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Binghamton spans $37,495,Buffalo spans $37,590. Buffalo has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Binghamton ($92,257 effective) pays 2.17% more than Buffalo ($90,297 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Binghamton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,423)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,257)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,544/year)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Binghamton grew 27.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 42.1% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Binghamton, NY
$63,860 (2020) → $81,640 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$58,020 (2020) → $82,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Binghamton, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Binghamton or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Binghamton and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Binghamton to Buffalo as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Binghamton vs Buffalo?
Related Comparisons
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov