Buffalo vs Rome: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Buffalo, NY and Rome, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Rome, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,050▲ | $73,883 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.61▲ | $35.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,316 | $54,791▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,603 | $59,990▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,051▲ | $94,571 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,662 | $114,519▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,430▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rome.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Rome is $167 (0.23%). Buffalo's median is +13.21% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $65,346,Rome spans $59,728. 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, Buffalo ($77,261 effective) pays 21.20% more than Rome ($63,747 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 ($74,050/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,261)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rome if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,519)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Buffalo grew 10.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -26.4% growth in Rome over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$65,670 (2019) → $72,230 (2025)
Rome, NY
$97,923 (2024) → $72,067 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Buffalo or Rome?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Rome?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov