Niagara Falls vs Rochester: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher 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 | $76,612▲ | $63,456 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.84▲ | $30.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,319▲ | $48,581 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,932▲ | $58,316 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,619▲ | $79,976 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,899▲ | $93,578 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 5,100▲ |
Verdict
Niagara Falls, NY offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Niagara Falls and Rochester is $13,156 (20.73%). Niagara Falls's median is +18.60% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Niagara Falls spans $59,580,Rochester spans $44,997. 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, Niagara Falls ($66,102 effective) pays 1.08% more than Rochester ($65,395 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Niagara Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,612/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,899)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,102)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Niagara Falls grew -27.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.3% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Niagara Falls, NY
$105,047 (2024) → $75,868 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$62,680 (2019) → $62,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Niagara Falls, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Niagara Falls or Rochester?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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 Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov