Rochester vs Utica: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Rochester, NY and Utica, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Utica, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,760 | $144,958▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.79 | $69.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,753▲ | $111,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $133,789▲ | $131,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,777 | $159,133▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,549 | $178,113▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,230▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Utica, NY offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Utica is $10,198 (7.57%). Utica's median is +3.25% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $47,796,Utica spans $66,279. Utica has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Utica ($156,410 effective) pays 12.62% more than Rochester ($138,878 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Utica if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($144,958/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($178,113)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $156,410)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Rochester grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.3% growth in Utica over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$104,190 (2019) → $130,430 (2025)
Utica, NY
$115,630 (2019) → $140,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Rochester or Utica?
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Should I relocate from Rochester to Utica as a physician assistant?
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Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov