Business & Finance Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Accountant Salary in Rochester, New York

The median accountant salary in Rochester, NY is $81,478 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 23.9% below the New York state average.

City Median
$81,478
vs State Avg
$-25,561
vs National
+$1,598
Cost of Living
90%

Accountant Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median accountant salary of $81,478, which is $25,561 below the New York state average of $107,039. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Rochester pays above average for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Rochester spans from $51,408 at the 10th percentile to $135,456 at the 90th percentile — a $84,048 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,040, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $122,400. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level accountant earns around $53,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,040
+$1,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,400
+$2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $51,408
25th Percentile $63,954
Median (50th) $81,478
75th Percentile $104,448
90th Percentile $135,456

Accountant Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Accountant in Rochester

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Rochester and the surrounding New York area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Rochester

Browse open accountant positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Rochester

How much does a Accountant make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median accountant salary in Rochester, New York is $81,478 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $51,408 (10th percentile) to $135,456 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,478, a accountant in Rochester earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for accountant pay? ▼
Rochester's median accountant salary of $81,478 is 23.9% below the New York state average of $107,039. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, NY? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $81,478 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Rochester? ▼
Most accountant positions in Rochester require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.