Long Beach vs Rochester: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Long Beach, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Long Beach, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,812 | $103,085▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.51 | $49.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,334 | $71,848▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,539 | $83,828▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,133 | $124,760▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,134▲ | $139,693 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Long Beach.
The salary gap between Long Beach and Rochester is $4,273 (4.32%). Rochester's median is -3.79% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Long Beach spans $75,800,Rochester spans $67,845. Long Beach 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, Rochester ($106,235 effective) pays 24.61% more than Long Beach ($85,256 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Long Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,134)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,085/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,235)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Long Beach grew -26.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.2% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Long Beach, NY
$131,381 (2024) → $96,009 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$83,330 (2019) → $100,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Long Beach, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Long Beach or Rochester?
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Should I relocate from Long Beach to Rochester as a mechanical engineer?
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% 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 Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov