Rochester vs Watertown: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Rochester, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $78,949 | $80,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.96 | $38.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,373▲ | $46,066 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,291▲ | $57,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $98,760▲ | $90,703 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,198▲ | $95,799 |
| Total Employed | 2,540▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Rochester and Watertown are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $1,266 (1.60%). Watertown's median is +24.31% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $63,825,Watertown spans $49,733. Rochester has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Watertown ($91,476 effective) pays 12.43% more than Rochester ($81,361 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,198)
- ✓Larger job market (2,540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,215/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,476)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Rochester grew 28.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$60,260 (2019) → $77,310 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$66,830 (2019) → $78,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Rochester or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Watertown as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Rochester vs Watertown?
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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