New York vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between New York, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,153▲ | $102,076 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.96▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,308▲ | $70,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,043▲ | $81,006 |
| 75th Percentile | $147,079▲ | $131,182 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $181,039▲ | $153,196 |
| Total Employed | 15,590▲ | 890 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between New York and Rochester is $8,077 (7.91%). New York's median is +6.44% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $100,731,Rochester spans $82,556. New York 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, Rochester ($105,195 effective) pays 7.50% more than New York ($97,859 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,153/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($181,039)
- ✓Larger job market (15,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,195)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in New York grew 10.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
New York, NY
$97,040 (2019) → $107,330 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$84,330 (2019) → $99,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: New York or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from New York to Rochester as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in New York vs Rochester?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov