New York vs Rochester: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse 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 | $126,077▲ | $91,167 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.62▲ | $43.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,809▲ | $83,553 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,491▲ | $87,176 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,305▲ | $106,110 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,696▲ | $111,997 |
| Total Employed | 197,740▲ | 12,340 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between New York and Rochester is $34,910 (38.29%). New York's median is +22.73% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $75,887,Rochester spans $28,444. 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, New York ($112,006 effective) pays 19.22% more than Rochester ($93,953 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 ($126,077/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,696)
- ✓Larger job market (197,740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,006)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in New York grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.6% growth in Rochester over the same period.
New York, NY
$93,090 (2019) → $119,720 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$66,290 (2019) → $86,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: New York or Rochester?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov