Buffalo vs Kingston: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Buffalo, NY and Kingston, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Kingston, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,544 | $103,765▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.61 | $49.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,818 | $83,543▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,444 | $88,832▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,666 | $110,806▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,408 | $113,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 760▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Kingston, NY offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Kingston is $17,221 (19.90%). Kingston's median is +0.80% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $37,590,Kingston spans $30,118. 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, Kingston ($103,034 effective) pays 14.11% 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 Buffalo if…
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Kingston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,765/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,661)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,034)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Buffalo grew 42.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in Kingston over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$58,020 (2020) → $82,470 (2025)
Kingston, NY
$86,280 (2020) → $98,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Kingston, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Buffalo or Kingston?
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Should I relocate from Buffalo to Kingston as a dental hygienist?
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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