Rochester vs Syracuse: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,530 | $136,564▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.71 | $65.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $108,974▲ | $104,785 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,878 | $120,861▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $136,616 | $146,661▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,944 | $167,061▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,890▲ | 910 |
Verdict
Syracuse, NY offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Syracuse is $4,034 (3.04%). Syracuse's median is -0.22% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $50,970,Syracuse spans $62,276. Syracuse has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Syracuse ($142,638 effective) pays 4.44% more than Rochester ($136,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,564/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,061)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $142,638)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Rochester grew 25.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$101,990 (2019) → $128,110 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$102,990 (2019) → $132,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Rochester or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Syracuse as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Rochester vs Syracuse?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov