Buffalo vs Syracuse: Court Reporter Salary (2026)
Compare court reporter salaries between Buffalo, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,878▲ | $89,714 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.47▲ | $43.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,659▲ | $52,034 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,213▲ | $64,594 |
| 75th Percentile | $123,335▲ | $114,833 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,760 | $139,056▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Buffalo, NY offers better overall compensation for court reporters, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Syracuse is $13,164 (14.67%). Buffalo's median is +37.56% compared to the US national median of $74,788.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $83,101,Syracuse spans $87,022. Syracuse has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced court reporters.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Buffalo ($107,339 effective) pays 38.67% more than Syracuse ($77,406 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,878/year)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,339)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,056)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, court reporter salaries in Buffalo grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$82,030 (2019) → $99,620 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$77,110 (2024) → $86,873 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays court reporters more: Buffalo or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Syracuse as a court reporter?
What do entry-level court reporters earn in Buffalo vs Syracuse?
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Written by Maria Gomez, RPR
Career Analyst
Maria Gomez has 10 years of experience in court reporting. She specializes in transcription for civil litigation cases. She works in various courtrooms across the state.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.27% 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 Maria Gomez, RPR, a licensed court reporter with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov