Rochester vs Troy: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Rochester, NY and Troy, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Troy, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,108▲ | $111,949 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.90▲ | $53.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,738▲ | $70,518 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,882▲ | $84,919 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,273 | $142,626▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,623 | $171,351▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,000▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Troy.
The salary gap between Rochester and Troy is $159 (0.14%). Rochester's median is -10.34% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $87,885,Troy spans $100,833. Troy has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($115,534 effective) pays 19.61% more than Troy ($96,591 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 ($112,108/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,534)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,351)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Rochester grew 14.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -27.9% growth in Troy over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$94,280 (2019) → $108,160 (2025)
Troy, NY
$149,776 (2024) → $108,007 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov