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Dentist Salary in Rochester, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Rochester's cost of living (index: 86). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Dentist Salary in Rochester β€” Key Numbers

$150,939
Median Salary
$99,304
25th Percentile
$205,566
75th Percentile
$258,000
90th Percentile
National median (Dentist)$175,510
vs. National median-14.0%
Rochester median household income$56,200
vs. City household income+168.6%

Cost of Living in Rochester

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,250/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio9.9%
Annual rent cost$15,000
Median Home Price$185,000
Home Price / Salary1.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$37,000
Years to save (20% rate)1.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Rochester

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
1,090,000
Metro Population
21 min
Avg Commute
37.5
Median Age

Rochester has a metro population of 1,090,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dentist make in Rochester, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Dentist in Rochester is $150,939 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $175,510 adjusted by Rochester's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $99,304 (25th percentile) to $205,566 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $258,000.

Is Rochester affordable for a Dentist?

On a $150,939 annual salary, a Dentist in Rochester would spend approximately 9.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,250/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Rochester relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $185,000 is 1.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Dentist's salary compare to Rochester's overall income?

Rochester's median household income is $56,200. A Dentist earning the city-adjusted median of $150,939 earns 168.6% more than the typical Rochester household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.