Auburn vs Rochester: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Auburn, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,331 | $112,108▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.16 | $53.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,363 | $81,738▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,626 | $96,882▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $132,184 | $133,273▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,600 | $169,623▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,000▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Rochester is $7,777 (7.45%). 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 Auburn spans $87,237,Rochester spans $87,885. Rochester 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 28.34% more than Auburn ($90,018 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,108/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($169,623)
- ✓Larger job market (1,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,534)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Auburn grew -28.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.7% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Auburn, NY
$140,995 (2024) → $100,657 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$94,280 (2019) → $108,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Auburn or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Rochester as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Auburn vs 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
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