Healthcare Rochester, NY Pop. 211,328

Registered Nurse Salary in Rochester, New York

The median registered nurse salary in Rochester, NY is $77,159 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 25.2% below the New York state average.

City Median
$77,159
vs State Avg
$-25,990
vs National
$-4,061
Cost of Living
90%

Registered Nurse Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median registered nurse salary of $77,159, which is $25,990 below the New York state average of $103,149. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 registered nurses in Rochester spans from $54,530 at the 10th percentile to $114,760 at the 90th percentile — a $60,230 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,100, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $109,250. With a population of 211,328, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Registered Nurse Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $55,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
$-5,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, NY

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $54,530
25th Percentile $63,460
Median (50th) $77,159
75th Percentile $96,045
90th Percentile $114,760

Registered Nurse Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$155,942
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$113,708
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$83,657
Pop. 99,224
Buffalo, NY
$78,783
Pop. 278,349

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Rochester

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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 Registered Nurse Jobs in Rochester

Browse open registered nurse positions in Rochester, NY:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Rochester

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Rochester, NY? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Rochester, New York is $77,159 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $54,530 (10th percentile) to $114,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $77,159, a registered nurse in Rochester earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the New York state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Rochester's median registered nurse salary of $77,159 is 25.2% below the New York state average of $103,149. 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 registered nurse salary of $77,159 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Rochester? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Rochester require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.