Data Analyst Salary Rochester 2026
Quick Answer
Data Analyst Salary in Rochester: Full Breakdown
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, data analysts in Rochester earn a mean annual salary of $93,470. This represents compensation across the entire Rochester metropolitan area (MSA code 40380), encompassing various experience levels and employer types.
The $93,470 annual mean translates to approximately $7,789 per month in gross income, or roughly $45 per hour at a standard 40-hour work week. This baseline figure serves as a benchmark for understanding data analyst compensation in the region, though individual salaries will vary based on factors including years of experience, educational credentials, industry sector, and employer size.
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Learn More →How Rochester Compares Regionally
Rochester, New York is part of the larger upstate New York economic region. Data analysts working in Rochester should consider how local compensation stacks against other comparable metros in the Northeast and nationally. The $93,470 mean salary reflects Rochester’s position as a mid-sized metropolitan area with a diverse economy including healthcare, manufacturing, and growing tech sectors.
For context, Rochester’s economy has historically been anchored by major employers in healthcare and optical technology, which influences local data analyst demand and wage structures. The presence of large healthcare systems creates substantial opportunities for data analysts in healthcare analytics, a specialty that may command premium compensation within the region.
Cost of Living Context
Understanding salary in Rochester requires examining local cost of living factors. Housing, transportation, and other major expenses directly impact the real purchasing power of a $93,470 salary.
Rochester offers a relatively moderate cost of living compared to major East Coast metropolitan areas like Boston, New York City, or Philadelphia. This means that a data analyst salary in Rochester may provide greater purchasing power than the same nominal salary in higher-cost regions, though less than in lower-cost Rust Belt cities.
Housing costs, in particular, vary significantly within the Rochester area. Downtown Rochester and nearby suburbs like Pittsford command higher rents and home prices, while outer ring suburbs offer more affordable options. A data analyst earning $93,470 should budget approximately 25-30% of gross income toward housing, which aligns with standard financial planning guidelines.
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Learn More →Job Outlook for Data Analysts in Rochester
The data analyst profession continues to experience strong growth nationally. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for data analysts reflects the broader expansion of data-driven decision-making across industries. Organizations increasingly rely on data professionals to extract insights from growing datasets, support business intelligence initiatives, and inform strategic planning.
In Rochester specifically, several factors support positive job outlook trends:
- Healthcare sector growth: Rochester’s dominant healthcare employers (including University of Rochester Medical Center and other health systems) require data analysts for clinical analytics, operational efficiency, and population health management.
- Manufacturing modernization: Local manufacturing firms are investing in Industry 4.0 technologies and data analytics capabilities.
- Tech ecosystem development: Rochester has emerging tech communities and innovation hubs attracting data-driven companies.
Entry-level data analyst positions in Rochester typically require a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (statistics, mathematics, computer science, or business analytics). Many candidates also pursue certifications in tools like SQL, Python, Tableau, or Power BI to enhance competitiveness.
Career Advancement and Salary Growth
Data analysts in Rochester who develop advanced skills can progress into senior analyst, analytics engineer, or data scientist roles, which command higher compensation. Specialization in high-demand areas like healthcare analytics, financial analysis, or machine learning engineering typically leads to above-average salary growth.
Professional development through certifications, advanced degrees (such as a master’s in data science or business analytics), and demonstrated expertise with enterprise tools accelerates career progression and salary increases beyond the $93,470 baseline.
FAQ
What is the starting salary for a data analyst in Rochester?
Entry-level data analysts in Rochester typically start below the $93,470 mean, generally in the $55,000–$70,000 range depending on educational background and specific employer. Candidates with bachelor’s degrees in quantitative fields, relevant internships, or technical certifications tend to command higher starting offers. The mean of $93,470 reflects experienced analysts across all experience levels, so new professionals should expect initial compensation significantly below this figure, with growth potential as they gain expertise.
How does data analyst salary in Rochester compare to the national average?
The national average for data analysts varies by source and year, but Rochester’s $93,470 mean (as of 2024) positions the city competitively within upstate New York and the Northeast region. Rochester typically offers slightly lower nominal salaries than major financial centers like New York City or Boston, but the cost-of-living differential means real purchasing power may be comparable or favorable. Professionals relocating from higher-cost metros may find Rochester salaries more than adequate when adjusted for local housing and living expenses.
What skills command the highest salaries for data analysts in Rochester?
Data analysts in Rochester who specialize in healthcare analytics—leveraging the region’s strong medical and research institutions—often earn above-average compensation. Proficiency in advanced tools and languages (Python, R, SQL, cloud platforms like AWS or Azure) also correlates with higher salaries. Additionally, analysts who combine technical skills with domain expertise in regulated industries (healthcare, finance) or who can lead analytics projects and mentor junior staff typically progress to higher compensation tiers faster than those with purely technical capabilities.
Is it worth relocating to Rochester for a data analyst position?
Relocation to Rochester for a data analyst role depends on individual circumstances. The $93,470 mean salary, combined with Rochester’s moderate cost of living, can provide solid financial stability and quality of life, particularly for those coming from expensive coastal metros. Rochester offers cultural amenities, outdoor recreation, and a growing professional community. However, candidates prioritizing maximum salary growth or working in specialized analytics niches may find larger tech hubs (Boston, NYC, San Francisco) offer more opportunities and higher compensation. For those valuing work-life balance, affordability, and access to healthcare and manufacturing analytics careers, Rochester presents a compelling option.
What industries in Rochester hire the most data analysts?
Healthcare is Rochester’s dominant employer of data analysts, given the presence of major medical centers and research institutions. Manufacturing and industrial companies also employ data analysts for operational optimization and quality control. Smaller but growing opportunities exist in financial services, insurance, education (University of Rochester), and emerging tech startups. The healthcare focus means data analysts with clinical analytics knowledge or experience in HIPAA-compliant environments may find particularly strong demand and potentially premium compensation in Rochester.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC code 15-2051 (Data Analysts). Last updated: April 10, 2026
Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflects aggregate mean compensation as of the survey year noted. Actual salaries vary significantly based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role, industry, and market conditions. This article is informational and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Individuals should conduct their own research, consult with industry professionals, and consider their unique circumstances when making career decisions.