Rochester vs Watertown: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse 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 | $91,167 | $101,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.83 | $48.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,553▲ | $71,663 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,176▲ | $87,018 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,110 | $114,093▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,997 | $131,932▲ |
| Total Employed | 12,340▲ | 900 |
Verdict
Watertown, NY offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $10,004 (10.97%). Watertown's median is -1.52% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $28,444,Watertown spans $60,269. Watertown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($115,373 effective) pays 22.80% 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 Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (12,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,932)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,373)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Rochester grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 39.4% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$66,290 (2019) → $86,570 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$68,940 (2019) → $96,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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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