Business & Finance Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Economist Salary in Rochester, New York

The median economist salary in Rochester, NY is $116,219 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 23.9% below the New York state average.

City Median
$116,219
vs State Avg
$-36,461
vs National
+$2,279
Cost of Living
90%

Economist Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median economist salary of $116,219, which is $36,461 below the New York state average of $152,680. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in Rochester spans from $63,240 at the 10th percentile to $201,960 at the 90th percentile — a $138,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,300, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $188,700. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level economist earns around $66,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $188,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,300
+$1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,300
+$2,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$188,700
+$3,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $63,240
25th Percentile $83,640
Median (50th) $116,219
75th Percentile $158,100
90th Percentile $201,960

Economist Salary in Other New York Cities

How to Become a Economist in Rochester

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in Rochester

Browse open economist positions in Rochester, NY:

Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in Rochester

How much does a Economist make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median economist salary in Rochester, New York is $116,219 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $63,240 (10th percentile) to $201,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $116,219, a economist in Rochester earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for economist pay? ▼
Rochester's median economist salary of $116,219 is 23.9% below the New York state average of $152,680. 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 economist salary of $116,219 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in Rochester? ▼
Most economist positions in Rochester require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.