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Military Enlisted 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.

Military Enlisted Salary in Rochester β€” Key Numbers

$35,260
Median Salary
$25,370
25th Percentile
$48,848
75th Percentile
$63,640
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-14.0%
Rochester median household income$56,200
vs. City household income-37.3%

Cost of Living in Rochester

Cost of Living Index
86(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,250/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio42.5%
Annual rent cost$15,000
Median Home Price$185,000
Home Price / Salary5.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$37,000
Years to save (20% rate)5.2 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 Military Enlisted make in Rochester, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Rochester is $35,260 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Rochester's cost of living index (86). The typical salary range runs from $25,370 (25th percentile) to $48,848 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $63,640.

Is Rochester affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $35,260 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Rochester would spend approximately 42.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,250/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Rochester may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $185,000 is 5.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Rochester's median household income is $56,200. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $35,260 earns 37.3% less than the typical Rochester household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Rochester has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

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.