Rochester vs Syracuse: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,167 | $91,578▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.83 | $44.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,553▲ | $74,086 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,176▲ | $83,342 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,110 | $107,100▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,997 | $114,609▲ |
| Total Employed | 12,340▲ | 8,180 |
Verdict
Syracuse, NY offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Syracuse is $411 (0.45%). Syracuse's median is -10.86% 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,Syracuse spans $40,523. Syracuse 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, Syracuse ($95,651 effective) pays 1.81% 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 Syracuse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,578/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,609)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,651)
- ✓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 24.9% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$66,290 (2019) → $86,570 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$69,600 (2019) → $86,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Rochester or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Syracuse as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Rochester vs Syracuse?
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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