What the numbers say
Buffalo's median for Software Developers came in at $128,780 in 2024. That sits about 20% below the New York state median of $161,260, which reflects how heavily the state figure is pulled up by New York City and its surrounding suburbs. Against the national median of $138,520, Buffalo runs about 7% lower.
The mean wage tells a small story on its own. At $125,020, it falls below the median, which is the opposite of what we usually see in tech-heavy markets. In most large metros, a tier of very senior or specialized engineers pulls the average above the median. In Buffalo, the distribution runs a bit flatter, with fewer of those top earners in the mix.
The spread from the 10th to the 90th percentile runs from $74,280 to $171,470, a gap of roughly $97,000. That range is wide enough to matter when you're reading the median as a single reference point. A developer early in their career sits well below the middle; someone with deep experience or a specialized background can clear $150,000 in this market.
About 3,720 Software Developers were employed in the Buffalo metro in 2024. That's a modest footprint relative to the largest US tech markets, but it represents a real concentration of the occupation for a metro of Buffalo's size.
Salary distribution
Where Buffalo software developers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $99,270 and $157,550, with a median of $127,850.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
Common tasks (O*NET)
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How the Buffalo metro compares to other major New York metro areas for software developers.
- New York City$166,830
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Software Developers in Buffalo, New York?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Software Developers in the Buffalo metropolitan area is $127,850.
- Does Buffalo pay more than the New York state average for Software Developers?
- The Buffalo metro median is -23.1% versus the New York state median of $166,180.
- How does Buffalo compare to the national median for Software Developers?
- The Buffalo metro median is -10.6% versus the BLS national figure of $142,947.
- What is the salary range for Software Developers in Buffalo?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $79,080 and the 90th-percentile at $172,730 for the Buffalo metro area.
- What education is required for Software Developers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Buffalo CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.