Buffalo vs Long Beach: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Buffalo, NY and Long Beach, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Long Beach, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,485 | $90,008▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.06 | $43.27▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,122▲ | $63,874 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,472▲ | $72,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,013 | $107,627▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,280 | $125,529▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Long Beach, NY offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Long Beach is $2,523 (2.88%). Long Beach's median is +6.71% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $41,158,Long Beach spans $61,655. Long Beach has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($91,279 effective) pays 17.54% more than Long Beach ($77,660 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 (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,279)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,008/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,529)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Buffalo grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.7% growth in Long Beach over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$61,640 (2019) → $83,090 (2025)
Long Beach, NY
$93,680 (2024) → $85,486 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Long Beach, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Buffalo or Long Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Long Beach?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Long Beach as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Buffalo vs Long Beach?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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 Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov