Engineering Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rochester, New York

The median mechanical engineer salary in Rochester, NY is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 26.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$86,679
vs State Avg
$-30,819
vs National
$-9,631
Cost of Living
90%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679, which is $30,819 below the New York state average of $117,498. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Rochester pays below the national benchmark 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 mechanical engineers in Rochester spans from $57,060 at the 10th percentile to $131,580 at the 90th percentile — a $74,520 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $58,500, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,200. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $58,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$58,500
$-6,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
$-9,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $57,060
25th Percentile $70,920
Median (50th) $86,679
75th Percentile $107,640
90th Percentile $131,580

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$180,100
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$130,019
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$94,384
Pop. 99,224
Buffalo, NY
$88,605
Pop. 278,349

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Rochester

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Rochester

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Rochester, NY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Rochester

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Rochester, New York is $86,679 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $57,060 (10th percentile) to $131,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,679, a mechanical engineer in Rochester earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Rochester's median mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 is 26.2% below the New York state average of $117,498. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $86,679 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Rochester? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Rochester require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.