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Federal Government Employee 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.

Federal Government Employee Salary in Rochester β€” Key Numbers

$83,420
Median Salary
$55,040
25th Percentile
$116,100
75th Percentile
$150,500
90th Percentile
National median (Federal Government Employee)$97,000
vs. National median-14.0%
Rochester median household income$56,200
vs. City household income+48.4%

Cost of Living in Rochester

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,250/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio18.0%
Annual rent cost$15,000
Median Home Price$185,000
Home Price / Salary2.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$37,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.2 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 Federal Government Employee make in Rochester, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Federal Government Employee in Rochester is $83,420 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $97,000 adjusted by Rochester's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $55,040 (25th percentile) to $116,100 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $150,500.

Is Rochester affordable for a Federal Government Employee?

On a $83,420 annual salary, a Federal Government Employee in Rochester would spend approximately 18.0% 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 2.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Federal Government Employee's salary compare to Rochester's overall income?

Rochester's median household income is $56,200. A Federal Government Employee earning the city-adjusted median of $83,420 earns 48.4% 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.