Rochester vs Utica: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Rochester, NY and Utica, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Utica, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,085▲ | $96,724 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.56▲ | $46.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,848▲ | $65,961 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,828▲ | $77,787 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,760▲ | $108,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,693▲ | $136,966 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Utica.
The salary gap between Rochester and Utica is $6,361 (6.58%). Rochester's median is -3.79% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $67,845,Utica spans $71,005. Utica has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($106,235 effective) pays 1.79% more than Utica ($104,366 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 ($103,085/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,693)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,235)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Utica if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Rochester grew 20.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.1% growth in Utica over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$83,330 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
Utica, NY
$81,640 (2019) → $93,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov