Poughkeepsie vs Rochester: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Poughkeepsie, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Poughkeepsie, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,314▲ | $102,076 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.19▲ | $49.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,711 | $70,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,653 | $81,006▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,669 | $131,182▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,587▲ | $153,196 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 890▲ |
Verdict
Poughkeepsie, NY offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Poughkeepsie and Rochester is $238 (0.23%). Poughkeepsie's median is -1.14% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Poughkeepsie spans $88,876,Rochester spans $82,556. Poughkeepsie 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 19.16% more than Poughkeepsie ($88,278 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Poughkeepsie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,314/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($158,587)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓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 Poughkeepsie grew -26.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Poughkeepsie, NY
$134,702 (2024) → $99,692 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$84,330 (2019) → $99,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Poughkeepsie, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Poughkeepsie or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Poughkeepsie and Rochester?
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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