Elmira vs Rochester: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $67,003▲ | $65,597 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.21▲ | $31.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,433▲ | $56,042 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,015 | $63,547▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,003 | $67,701▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,912 | $75,871▲ |
| Total Employed | 350 | 3,330▲ |
Verdict
Elmira and Rochester are closely matched on overall licensed practical nurse compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Elmira and Rochester is $1,406 (2.14%). Elmira's median is -1.57% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmira spans $11,479,Rochester spans $19,829. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Elmira ($70,979 effective) pays 5.00% more than Rochester ($67,601 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 ($67,003/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,979)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,871)
- ✓Larger job market (3,330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Elmira grew 72.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Elmira, NY
$36,730 (2019) → $63,390 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$42,820 (2019) → $62,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elmira, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Elmira or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elmira and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Elmira to Rochester as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Elmira vs Rochester?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov