Public Service Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Police Officer Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median police officer salary in Buffalo, NY is $60,527 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$60,527
vs State Avg
$-19,737
vs National
$-5,263
Cost of Living
92%

Police Officer Pay in Buffalo: What to Expect (2026)

Buffalo offers a median police officer salary of $60,527, which is $19,737 below the New York state average of $80,264. Compared to the national median of $65,790, Buffalo pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Buffalo's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for police officers in Buffalo spans from $37,168 at the 10th percentile to $97,520 at the 90th percentile — a $60,352 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,640, while senior police officers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $90,160. With a population of 278,349, Buffalo is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Police Officer Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level police officer earns around $38,640, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,640
$-3,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,160
$-7,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $37,168
25th Percentile $47,104
Median (50th) $60,527
75th Percentile $80,224
90th Percentile $97,520

Police Officer Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Police Officer in Buffalo

Education

Most police officer positions require a high school diploma. Buffalo and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Law EnforcementEmergency ResponseReport WritingDe-escalationPhysical FitnessCommunity Policing

Job Outlook

Nationally, police officer employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Buffalo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Police Officer Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open police officer positions in Buffalo, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Police Officer Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Police Officer make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median police officer salary in Buffalo, New York is $60,527 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $65,790. Salaries range from $37,168 (10th percentile) to $97,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Police Officer make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,527, a police officer in Buffalo earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for police officer pay? ▼
Buffalo's median police officer salary of $60,527 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $80,264. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a police officer salary of $60,527 in Buffalo has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a police officer in Buffalo? ▼
Most police officer positions in Buffalo require a high school diploma. Key skills include Law Enforcement, Emergency Response, Report Writing, De-escalation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.