Niagara Falls vs Rochester: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Niagara Falls, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Niagara Falls, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,479 | $65,597▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.48 | $31.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,373 | $56,042▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,846 | $63,547▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,894▲ | $67,701 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,463▲ | $75,871 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 3,330▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Niagara Falls.
The salary gap between Niagara Falls and Rochester is $118 (0.18%). Rochester's median is -3.63% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Niagara Falls spans $28,090,Rochester spans $19,829. Niagara Falls 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 ($67,601 effective) pays 19.66% more than Niagara Falls ($56,496 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Niagara Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,463)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,597/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,601)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Niagara Falls grew -12.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Niagara Falls, NY
$70,792 (2024) → $61,948 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$42,820 (2019) → $62,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Niagara Falls, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Niagara Falls or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Niagara Falls and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Niagara Falls to Rochester as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Niagara Falls 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