Rochester vs Watertown: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $62,053 | $68,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.84 | $32.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,812 | $39,664▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,277 | $49,238▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,625 | $87,534▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,778 | $105,999▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,190▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Watertown, NY offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $6,333 (10.21%). Watertown's median is -14.94% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $70,966,Watertown spans $66,335. 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, Rochester ($63,949 effective) pays 8.38% more than Watertown ($59,004 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 (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,949)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,386/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,999)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Rochester grew -35.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -61.5% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$92,520 (2021) → $59,392 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$170,106 (2024) → $65,454 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Rochester or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Watertown as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov