Electrician Salary

Oneonta vs Rochester: Electrician Salary (2026)

Compare electrician salaries between Oneonta, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Oneonta, NY
$73,274
$35.23/hr
Rochester, NY
$78,949
$37.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricOneonta, NYRochester, NY
Median Salary$73,274$78,949
Hourly Rate$35.23$37.96
Entry Level (P10)$54,781$46,373
25th Percentile$60,371$59,291
75th Percentile$93,791$98,760
Top Earner (P90)$113,575$110,198
Total Employed52,540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Oneonta ($73,274) and Rochester ($78,949) electrician salaries.OneontaRochesterMedian Salary$73,274$78,949Entry Level (P10)$54,781$46,373Top Earner (P90)$113,575$110,198US Median $64,530

Verdict

Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oneonta.

The salary gap between Oneonta and Rochester is $5,675 (7.74%). Rochester's median is +22.34% compared to the US national median of $64,530.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Oneonta spans $58,794,Rochester spans $63,825. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.

Oneonta
P10 (Entry)$54,781
P25$60,371
Median$73,274
P75$93,791
P90 (Top)$113,575
Rochester
P10 (Entry)$46,373
P25$59,291
Median$78,949
P75$98,760
P90 (Top)$110,198

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($81,361 effective) pays 28.69% more than Oneonta ($63,222 effective).

Oneonta
Nominal: $73,274
CoL Index: 115.9
Adjusted: $63,222
Rochester
Nominal: $78,949
CoL Index: 97.035
Adjusted: $81,361

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Oneonta if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($113,575)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Choose Rochester if…

  • Higher median salary ($78,949/year)
  • Larger job market (2,540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,361)
  • You prefer the New York area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Oneonta grew -26.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.

Oneonta, NY

+-26.3%

$97,342 (2024) → $71,753 (2025)

Rochester, NY

+28.3%

$60,260 (2019) → $77,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays electricians more: Oneonta or Rochester?

Rochester has a higher median electrician salary at $78,949/year, compared to Oneonta at $73,274/year — a difference of $5,675 (7.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Oneonta and Rochester?

Oneonta electricians earn $35.23/hr while Rochester hygienists earn $37.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Oneonta to Rochester as a electrician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Oneonta and Rochester. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Rochester = $81,361), job availability (5 vs 2,540 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level electricians earn in Oneonta vs Rochester?

Entry-level (10th percentile) electricians earn $54,781 in Oneonta and $46,373 in Rochester. The Oneonta area offers higher starting salaries.

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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst

Career Analyst

Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov