Hempstead vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Hempstead, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hempstead, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,285 | $102,076▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.77 | $49.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,828 | $70,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,678 | $81,006▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $124,525 | $131,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $150,792 | $153,196▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hempstead.
The salary gap between Hempstead and Rochester is $4,791 (4.92%). Rochester's median is -1.37% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hempstead spans $84,964,Rochester spans $82,556. Hempstead 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, Rochester ($105,195 effective) pays 25.32% more than Hempstead ($83,939 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hempstead if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,076/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($153,196)
- ✓Larger job market (890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,195)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Hempstead grew -28.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Hempstead, NY
$132,042 (2024) → $94,792 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$84,330 (2019) → $99,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hempstead, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Hempstead or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hempstead and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Hempstead to Rochester as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Hempstead vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov