Elementary School Teacher Salary in Buffalo, NY (2026)
Elementary school teachers instruct students in grades K–6 in public and private schools.
Median Annual Salary
$74,270
in Buffalo · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$78,244
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#43
among cities with BLS data
Elementary School Teachers in Buffalo
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Buffalo, NY is $74,270 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $6,189/month or $36/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($73,980), Buffalo pays 0% more than the typical city.
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 94.9 (US average = 100), so your salary goes further here than the nominal figure suggests. In inflation-adjusted terms, $74,270 in Buffalo is equivalent to $78,244 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Buffalo metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Elementary School Teachers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle, WA | $97,740 |
| 2 | Bellevue, WA | $97,740 |
| 3 | Tacoma, WA | $97,740 |
| 4 | Los Angeles, CA | $97,460 |
| 5 | Long Beach, CA | $97,460 |
| 6 | Anaheim, CA | $97,460 |
| 7 | Midland, TX | $97,360 |
| 8 | Berkeley, CA | $96,460 |
| 9 | San Francisco, CA | $96,460 |
| 10 | Oakland, CA | $96,460 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Buffalo
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | $125,020 |
| Registered Nurse | $96,740 |
| Electrician | $75,000 |
| Accountant | $91,260 |
Full cost of living profile for Buffalo
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Buffalo.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Elementary School Teacher salary in Buffalo?
The median annual salary for a Elementary School Teacher in Buffalo, NY is $74,270 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Buffalo Elementary School Teacher pay compare nationally?
Buffalo Elementary School Teacher pay ($74,270) is 0% above the median across surveyed cities ($73,980).
Does cost of living affect Elementary School Teacher salaries in Buffalo?
Yes. Buffalo has a cost of living index of 94.9 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $74,270 salary in Buffalo has the purchasing power of approximately $78,244 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology