Rochester vs Watertown: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Rochester, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,076▲ | $96,821 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.08▲ | $46.55 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,640▲ | $68,577 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,006 | $81,909▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,182▲ | $114,833 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,196▲ | $136,272 |
| Total Employed | 890▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $5,255 (5.43%). Rochester's median is -1.37% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $82,556,Watertown spans $67,695. Rochester 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, Watertown ($110,413 effective) pays 4.96% more than Rochester ($105,195 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,076/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,196)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,413)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Rochester grew 17.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$84,330 (2019) → $99,460 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$78,650 (2019) → $94,340 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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