Senior Electrical Engineer Salary in Rochester, NY: $169,623 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of electrical engineers working in Rochester, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $169,623/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 17-2071. Strip back Rochester's price premium (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $174,806 in average-cost America. The 51% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the top electrical engineer salary in Rochester, NY, has an enticing projection with the P90 earning up to $169,623 annually, significantly higher than the local median salary of $112,108. This impressive potential demonstrates a substantial experience premium, showcasing the pay gap that can exist even among seasoned professionals. Achieving this top-tier compensation level depends on several factors, including specializations in complex and in-demand areas such as power systems, semiconductor design, and firmware development. As the local job market becomes increasingly competitive, advanced technical skills paired with leadership acumen are crucial for those aspiring to move into these high-paying roles.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
Experienced electrical engineers at the top of the pay scale in Rochester earn between $133,273 and $169,623 per year (2026 est.). This $87,885 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Rochester median of $112,108 sits 10.34% below the US median.
Top EE Salary Comparison
| Level | Rochester | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $112,108 | $125,033 |
| 75th Percentile | $133,273 | $158,533 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $169,623 | $191,027 |
In Rochester, experienced electrical engineers (P90) earn 51.30% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Electrical Engineer Pay in Rochester
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY electrical engineers with additional specialty certifications within the electrical engineering field earn significantly above the $112,108 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Rochester employers.
Specialty Focus
Electrical Engineers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the electrical engineering field in Rochester command premium compensation, often reaching the $133,273–$169,623 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Rochester metro area, which is a large EE employment market, often pay above-market rates for experienced electrical engineers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured electrical engineers in Rochester with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Electrical Engineers in New York who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Electrical Engineer Career & Wage Growth Path in Rochester
Clinical Electrical Engineer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Electrical Engineer
5-10 yearsElectrical Engineer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedRochester ranks #9 of 39 New York cities for top earner electrical engineer salary (90th percentile: $169,623).
Top 10% electrical engineer compensation in Rochester ($169,623) is 2.7% below the New York average P90 ($174,324).
2019 BLS Actual
$145,210
2025 BLS Actual
$163,650
2026 Current Est.
$169,623
2019–2027 Growth
+21.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,210 | Actual |
| 2020 | $141,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $133,630 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,220 | Actual |
| 2023 | $140,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,510 | Actual |
| 2025 | $163,650 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $169,623 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $175,814 | Projected |
Top-earning electrical engineers (90th percentile) in Rochester saw their compensation grow 12.7% from $145,210 in 2019 to $163,650 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.65% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $175,814 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Electrical Engineer Earnings in Rochester
When it comes to senior electrical engineer pay in NY, there are distinct variations based on the employer type. For instance, professionals focusing on semiconductor processing for companies like Apple and Nvidia generally benefit from higher compensation compared to those in utility sectors such as ConEd, which may offer stability but lag in cash compensation. Advanced credentials can also play a significant role in income potential; a PE license or a Master's degree often leads to better prospects in sectors requiring deep technical expertise. Moreover, individuals with security clearances frequently receive additional financial incentives, especially within defense contracting firms like Lockheed Martin or Raytheon, which often emphasize the importance of trust and reliability. In Rochester, the pathway to leadership roles can vary, allowing engineers to ascend through the ranks as technical experts or take on managerial positions, both offering fruitful career trajectories aligned with their professional aspirations.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced electrical engineers make in Rochester in 2026?
What drives higher electrical engineer pay in Rochester?
What certifications boost electrical engineer salary in Rochester?
Can experienced electrical engineers make six figures in Rochester?
How much does electrical engineer salary increase over time in Rochester?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $163,650 for electrical engineers in the Rochester metro area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov