Elmira vs Rochester: Radiologist Salary (2026)
Compare radiologist salaries between Elmira, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elmira, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $484,779▲ | $81,617 |
| Hourly Rate | $233.07▲ | $39.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $281,172▲ | $72,366 |
| 25th Percentile | $349,041▲ | $80,199 |
| 75th Percentile | $570,682▲ | $107,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $652,748▲ | $408,429 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Elmira, NY offers better overall compensation for radiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Elmira and Rochester is $403,162 (493.97%). Elmira's median is +9.70% compared to the US national median of $441,903.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmira spans $371,576,Rochester spans $336,063. Elmira has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elmira ($418,274 effective) pays 397.29% more than Rochester ($84,111 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elmira if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($484,779/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($652,748)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $418,274)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologist salaries in Elmira grew 5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -83.5% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Elmira, NY
$438,809 (2024) → $461,694 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$471,148 (2024) → $77,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elmira, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.00% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov