Rochester vs Saratoga Springs: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Rochester, NY and Saratoga Springs, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Saratoga Springs, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,653 | $44,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.51 | $21.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,545▲ | $37,932 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,897▲ | $40,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,000▲ | $47,429 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,907 | $54,689▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,130▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Saratoga Springs, NY offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Saratoga Springs is $1,599 (3.75%). Saratoga Springs's median is -1.68% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $10,362,Saratoga Springs spans $16,757. Saratoga Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced certified nursing assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($43,956 effective) pays 15.13% more than Saratoga Springs ($38,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (5,130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,956)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Saratoga Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,689)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Rochester grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.2% growth in Saratoga Springs over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$30,240 (2019) → $40,050 (2025)
Saratoga Springs, NY
$48,993 (2024) → $41,551 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Saratoga Springs, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Rochester or Saratoga Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Saratoga Springs?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Saratoga Springs as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Rochester vs Saratoga Springs?
Related Comparisons
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov