Average Salary in Rochester, NH (2026) | Ocity

Rochester isn’t the place you move to chase a superstar salary. But you might stay because your paycheck actually stretches further than you’d expect.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. The city’s cost of living sits at 111.6—about 12% pricier than the national average. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,582 a month. That sounds steep, but it’s a world apart from Boston or Denver. The median household income here is $79,388, and the COL-adjusted average salary drops to $73,569. You’re not getting rich overnight, but you’re not getting priced out, either. It’s a steady, middle-class bargain.

This is a healthcare and manufacturing town, through and through. Frisbie Memorial Hospital is a major anchor, and you’ll find a surprising number of engineering and project management roles supporting the advanced manufacturing corridor. The tech scene is nascent but real, especially with remote software developers who’ve planted roots here. The unemployment rate is a razor-tight 2.5%, meaning if you have in-demand skills, you’ve got leverage.

Here’s my honest take: wages are rising, but they’re not keeping pace with the creeping cost of living. It’s a classic New England squeeze. For young families or skilled tradespeople, Rochester works. For someone with a $160,000 marketing manager salary? You’ll live well, but you’ll also notice the gap between your paycheck and what it buys compared to a decade ago.

The numbers below tell the rest of the story—see which roles command a premium and what your earning potential really looks like.

🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Rochester

Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.

🥇 +4% vs national

Marketing Manager

$163,105

💡 COL-Adjusted $146,151

⏱ Hourly $78.42/hr

📈 Job Growth +8.0%

👥 Jobs Here 65

Career Guide → Best Cities →

🥈 +4% vs national

Pharmacist

$140,763

💡 COL-Adjusted $126,132

⏱ Hourly $67.67/hr

📈 Job Growth -3.0%

👥 Jobs Here 65

Career Guide → Best Cities →

🥉 +4% vs national

Software Developer

$131,688

💡 COL-Adjusted $118,000

⏱ Hourly $63.31/hr

📈 Job Growth +17.0%

👥 Jobs Here 197

Career Guide → Best Cities →

4️⃣ +4% vs national

Construction Manager

$111,975

💡 COL-Adjusted $100,336

⏱ Hourly $53.83/hr

📈 Job Growth +8.0%

👥 Jobs Here 65

Career Guide → Best Cities →

5️⃣ +4% vs national

Project Manager

$104,804

💡 COL-Adjusted $93,910

⏱ Hourly $50.39/hr

📈 Job Growth +6.0%

👥 Jobs Here 65

Career Guide → Best Cities →

📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Rochester

COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (112/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.

#	Occupation ↕	Raw Salary ↕	COL-Adjusted ↕	vs National	Growth ↕	Hourly
1	Marketing Manager	$163,105	$146,151	+4%	+8.0%	$78.42
2	Pharmacist	$140,763	$126,132	+4%	-3.0%	$67.67
3	Software Developer	$131,688	$118,000	+4%	+17.0%	$63.31
4	Construction Manager	$111,975	$100,336	+4%	+8.0%	$53.83
5	Project Manager	$104,804	$93,910	+4%	+6.0%	$50.39
6	Physical Therapist	$103,179	$92,454	+4%	+14.0%	$49.61
7	Financial Analyst	$102,455	$91,806	+4%	+9.0%	$49.26
8	Web Developer	$95,977	$86,001	+4%	+16.0%	$46.14
9	Dental Hygienist	$90,576	$81,161	+4%	+9.0%	$43.55
10	Accountant	$89,075	$79,816	+4%	+4.0%	$42.82
11	Registered Nurse	$89,065	$79,807	+4%	+6.0%	$42.82
12	Data Analyst	$86,260	$77,294	+4%	+36.0%	$41.47
13	Police Officer	$77,516	$69,459	+4%	+3.0%	$37.27
14	Human Resources Specialist	$70,004	$62,728	+4%	+8.0%	$33.66
15	Elementary School Teacher	$65,885	$59,037	+4%	+1.0%	$31.68
16	Plumber	$65,554	$58,740	+4%	+6.0%	$31.52
17	Paralegal	$64,933	$58,184	+4%	+4.0%	$31.22
18	Electrician	$63,691	$57,071	+4%	+11.0%	$30.62
19	Real Estate Agent	$63,619	$57,006	+4%	+3.0%	$30.59
20	Graphic Designer	$63,474	$56,876	+4%	+3.0%	$30.52
21	Firefighter	$59,107	$52,963	+4%	+4.0%	$28.42
22	Carpenter	$58,900	$52,778	+4%	+5.0%	$28.32
23	HVAC Technician	$57,607	$51,619	+4%	+6.0%	$27.70
24	Heavy Truck Driver	$54,937	$49,227	+4%	+4.0%	$26.41
25	Nursing Assistant (CNA)	$51,740	$46,362	+45%	+3.0%	$24.88
26	Welder	$51,315	$45,981	+4%	+2.0%	$24.67
27	Medical Assistant	$39,601	$35,485	+4%	+15.0%	$19.04

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.

🏙️ Living Costs in Rochester

🏠

1BR Rent

$1,582/mo

🏡

2BR Rent

$2,003/mo

🏘️

Median Home

$401,000

📉

Unemployment

2.5%

💳

Median Income

$79,388

🎓

College Educated

27%

🚶

Walk Score

35/100

📊

Cost of Living

112

Near Avg Cost

📊 Full Cost of Living Breakdown → 🏠 Real Estate Market →

🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Rochester?

Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Rochester. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.

💰 Salary Reality Check for Rochester 🔄 Salary Equivalence Calculator 🔍 Career Arbitrage Tool

❓ Rochester Salary FAQ

What is the average salary in Rochester, NH?

▼

The average salary across 40 occupations in Rochester is $82,103 (2026 data). This figure is 3.6% above the median household income of $79,388, indicating a moderate income disparity.

What jobs pay the most in Rochester?

▼

The highest paying role is Marketing Manager at $163,105 annually. This salary is nearly double the city's average of $82,103, highlighting a significant premium for specialized management roles.

Is Rochester affordable on a Marketing Manager salary?

▼

Yes, a Marketing Manager salary of $163,105 is highly affordable in Rochester. The cost of living index is 111.6, and a 1BR apartment costs $1,582/month, representing just 11.6% of the pre-tax monthly income.

How does Rochester's cost of living affect my paycheck?

▼

Rochester's COL index of 111.6 means living costs are 11.6% higher than the national average. For an average salary of $82,103, this reduces purchasing power, requiring a 10% higher gross income to maintain the same standard of living as a national average area.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Rochester?

▼

A comfortable living salary is estimated at $95,000-$100,000, based on the 30% rule for housing and the city's COL. This allows for a $1,582/mo 1BR rent (33% of a $95k salary) while covering other expenses, which is 15-20% above the median household income of $79,388.

📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Rochester Worth It?

Here’s my blunt take: Rochester isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a solid value. With an average salary of $82,103 and a cost-of-living index of 111.6, your money stretches a bit less than the national average, but the rent at $1,582 keeps it manageable. The real winner here is the Marketing Manager, pulling in $163,105 and holding its own at $146,151 even after COL adjustments.

Financially, it’s worth it if you’re in a high-demand field. Tech and healthcare workers will find solid opportunities, but tradespeople might see the best stability and local demand. My advice? If you’re moving here, lock in a job before you sign a lease. Rochester rewards those who come in with a plan, not those who hope to figure it out later. It’s a practical town for practical people.

Explore Rochester Further

🏙️ Rochester City Overview 💰 Cost of Living 🏠 Real Estate 💼 All Career Guides 🔍 Career Arbitrage