Sam SmithRochester, New York offers one of the strongest regional job markets in the Northeast, supported by world-class healthcare institutions, cutting-edge optics and imaging research, and a growing tech and advanced-manufacturing ecosystem. With major employers like University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester Regional Health, L3Harris, Kodak, Xerox, and Wegmans corporate headquarters, high-skilled professionals have access to exceptional earnings and career opportunities. Below is a comprehensive guide to the 100 highest-paying occupations in Rochester, including tech, healthcare, engineering, and executive roles.
Highest-paying Jobs in Rochester – The Figures Reflects Value
1. Physician / Surgeon
Physicians and surgeons represent the highest-earning professionals in Rochester, driven by strong demand at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Rochester Regional Health. These experts diagnose illnesses, perform surgeries, and provide specialized medical care across fields like cardiology, neurology, oncology, and orthopedics. With years of medical school, residency, and board certification, this role requires intense training and commitment. Rochester’s advanced healthcare ecosystem offers excellent career stability, competitive salaries, and opportunities for research and teaching at affiliated medical schools.
2. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CEOs lead organizations at the highest level, setting strategic direction, managing executive teams, and making decisions that shape long-term business success. Rochester’s CEOs often oversee large healthcare systems, manufacturing firms, tech companies, and corporate headquarters like Wegmans and Paychex. This position typically requires decades of leadership experience, proven management results, and strong business and financial knowledge. Compensation includes salary, bonuses, and stock awards, reflecting the high responsibility, performance pressure, and influence CEOs hold within major regional enterprises.
3. Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse issues. Rochester has strong demand due to rising behavioral-health needs and integrated care programs at major hospital systems. This career requires medical school, psychiatric residency training, and board certification. Psychiatrists may work in hospitals, private clinics, or academic settings. The role combines clinical expertise with empathy and communication skills, offering excellent compensation, flexible practice settings, and opportunities to influence patient mental-health recovery.
4. Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Nurse anesthetists administer anesthesia for surgeries, pain management, and emergency procedures. They work alongside surgeons and anesthesiologists within Rochester’s busy medical centers. CRNAs complete advanced graduate training and must be certified, reflecting their high level of responsibility and clinical complexity. The role demands precision, calm decision-making, and detailed knowledge of pharmacology and physiology. With strong demand, particularly in surgical and procedural environments, CRNAs enjoy exceptional career security, strong salaries, and a high degree of professional autonomy.
5. VP of Engineering / Technology
Vice Presidents of Engineering lead technical strategy, product development, and engineering teams across industries like software, aerospace, optics, and advanced manufacturing. In Rochester, these leaders support companies like L3Harris, AIM Photonics, and cutting-edge optics labs. The role requires years of technical management experience, deep engineering knowledge, and strong communication and planning abilities. Compensation reflects the responsibility of overseeing innovation, budgets, and technical execution. These executives drive growth and technological advancement in Rochester’s fast-evolving engineering ecosystem.
6. Radiologist
Radiologists specialize in interpreting medical images, including MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays, to diagnose illnesses and guide treatment plans. Rochester’s healthcare systems rely heavily on these experts for accurate diagnostics and patient care support. After medical school and residency, radiologists receive specialized fellowship training. The job offers structured schedules, high-precision work, and strong income potential due to advanced technical expertise. With demand rising across healthcare settings, radiologists play a core role in efficient, accurate patient treatment.
7. Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists oversee anesthesia administration before surgeries, monitor patient safety during procedures, and manage post-operative pain. This highly specialized role requires medical school, residency, and board certification, reflecting significant expertise. Rochester’s surgical centers and hospitals rely heavily on anesthesiologists for major and complex operations. The position requires calm judgment, rapid decision-making, and extensive pharmacology knowledge. High demand, advanced skills, and patient-critical responsibilities make anesthesiology one of the most respected and well-compensated medical careers in the region.
8. Cardiologist
Cardiologists diagnose and treat heart and cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease, arrhythmias, and vascular issues. Rochester has a strong need for heart specialists given its aging population and emphasis on preventative and advanced medical care. The role requires fellowship training after medical school and residency, plus certification. Cardiologists often perform procedures, interpret tests, and guide long-term patient health plans. High complexity, life-saving treatments, and continuous technological advancements make cardiology both intellectually rewarding and financially lucrative.
9. Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
CFOs lead financial strategy, investment decisions, budgeting, and organizational financial health. In Rochester, CFOs operate within major healthcare systems, manufacturing giants, education institutions, and corporate headquarters. The role demands strong analytical ability, decades of finance experience, and often a CPA or MBA. CFOs guide long-term planning, risk management, and reporting, ensuring sustainable growth. High responsibility, involvement in executive strategy, and performance-driven compensation make CFOs some of the highest-earning corporate leaders in the region.
10. Hospital Administrator
Hospital Administrators oversee medical operations, facility budgets, staffing, and organizational strategy at hospitals and healthcare systems. Rochester’s robust medical infrastructure provides significant opportunities in this field. The role requires healthcare administration experience, leadership ability, and strong problem-solving skills. Many hold an MHA, MBA, or similar master’s degree. Administrators ensure smooth patient care delivery and operational efficiency, making them essential to hospital success. The position combines business management and healthcare expertise, offering high compensation and stability.
11. Senior Software Architect
Senior Software Architects design large-scale software systems, guide technical frameworks, and oversee development processes. With Rochester’s growing tech ecosystem and advanced software teams at local companies, demand is strong. This role requires deep programming expertise, system-design experience, and leadership skills. Architects set coding standards, evaluate technologies, and solve complex engineering problems. The position provides high salaries, creative problem-solving opportunities, and influence over major products and digital-infrastructure decisions across industries including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.
12. Senior Data Scientist
Senior Data Scientists analyze large datasets, build predictive models, and apply machine-learning methods to help companies make data-driven decisions. Rochester’s healthcare, tech, and imaging sectors rely on advanced analytics to improve operations and innovate. This role requires strong programming skills, statistical knowledge, and experience with AI tools. Professionals often hold graduate degrees in STEM fields. High demand for data talent, combined with the complexity of analytics work, leads to strong salaries and diverse career opportunities.
13. Optical Engineer
Optical Engineers design and improve optical systems for imaging, lasers, lenses, and photonics devices — fields where Rochester is a national leader. Working alongside top research labs and companies like AIM Photonics and University of Rochester optics programs, they develop precision technologies used in defense, manufacturing, healthcare, and communications. Most hold advanced engineering or physics degrees. This role offers strong earnings, hands-on problem-solving, and opportunities to work on innovations shaping future vision and imaging technology.
14. Engineering Director
Engineering Directors oversee engineering teams, set technical strategies, and ensure successful product development. In Rochester, they support industries like aerospace, photonics, and advanced manufacturing. This role blends leadership, technical oversight, and project execution. Candidates typically have a decade or more of engineering experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to lead cross-functional teams. Compensation reflects the high responsibility of delivering complex systems on time and on budget while supporting innovation and organizational growth.
15. Senior Mechanical Engineer
Senior Mechanical Engineers design mechanical systems, equipment, and components for industries including optics, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace. Rochester’s engineering-driven economy provides many opportunities in product development and advanced manufacturing. This role requires strong CAD skills, engineering analysis, and hands-on design experience. Senior engineers often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams. Highly skilled mechanical engineers enjoy strong job stability, technical challenges, and meaningful career growth across Rochester’s industrial and technology sectors.
16. Senior Electrical Engineer
Senior Electrical Engineers design electronics, power systems, embedded circuits, and high-tech components. Rochester’s defense, optics, and advanced-manufacturing companies rely on these specialists to build complex hardware and instrumentation. The role involves deep understanding of circuits, signal processing, embedded systems, and testing. Senior engineers manage large-scale engineering tasks and guide project teams. With growing demand for electronics and automation, this role offers excellent compensation, long-term career opportunities, and influence over high-impact product development.
17. Senior Cybersecurity Engineer
Senior Cybersecurity Engineers protect networks, systems, and sensitive data from cyber threats — a growing priority for Rochester’s tech, healthcare, and defense organizations. They design security architecture, respond to threats, and implement advanced cyber defense strategies. The role typically requires cybersecurity certifications, strong coding and network skills, and hands-on security experience. High demand for cybersecurity talent, combined with increasing digital-security risks, makes this a highly paid, fast-growing field with significant long-term opportunity.
18. Software Engineering Manager
Software Engineering Managers lead development teams, guide software architecture decisions, and ensure successful project delivery. Rochester’s expanding software sector offers roles across corporate tech teams, startups, and healthcare IT. Managers balance technical guidance with people leadership, budgeting, and software planning. They often have several years of engineering experience and strong communication and organizational skills. With demand for software continuing to rise, this role offers excellent income potential, advancement opportunities, and strategic influence.
19. Data Engineering Lead
Data Engineering Leads build data pipelines, integrate systems, and optimize data infrastructure to support analytics and machine-learning applications. Rochester’s healthcare and technology companies rely heavily on advanced data systems, making this role critical. Candidates typically have strong programming skills, cloud knowledge, and experience with big-data platforms. The position combines architecture planning, hands-on engineering, and mentorship. High technical complexity and increasing organizational reliance on real-time data systems make this a well-compensated, in-demand career path.
20. Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, counsel patients on prescriptions, and ensure safe drug usage. In Rochester, they work in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies. The role demands a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and state licensure, reflecting deep pharmaceutical knowledge. Pharmacists play a direct role in patient health, collaborate with physicians, and support chronic-care management. With strong demand in both clinical and retail settings, pharmacists benefit from stable employment, high earning potential, and meaningful patient interaction.
Top 100 Highest-Paying Jobs in Rochester, NY (Full List)
| # | Job Title | Category | Typical Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Physician – Surgeon | Healthcare | $250,000 – $500,000+ |
| 2 | CEO | Executive | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
| 3 | Psychiatrist | Healthcare | $220,000 – $300,000 |
| 4 | Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) | Healthcare | $180,000 – $220,000 |
| 5 | VP of Engineering / Technology | Executive | $150,000 – $300,000 |
| 6 | Radiologist | Healthcare | $240,000 – $350,000 |
| 7 | Anesthesiologist | Healthcare | $280,000 – $400,000 |
| 8 | Cardiologist | Healthcare | $300,000 – $450,000 |
| 9 | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Executive | $170,000 – $320,000 |
| 10 | Hospital Administrator | Healthcare | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| 11 | Senior Software Architect | Tech | $130,000 – $190,000 |
| 12 | Senior Data Scientist | Tech | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| 13 | Optical Engineer | Engineering/Optics | $110,000 – $180,000 |
| 14 | Engineering Director | Engineering | $140,000 – $210,000 |
| 15 | Senior Mechanical Engineer | Engineering | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 16 | Senior Electrical Engineer | Engineering | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 17 | Senior Cybersecurity Engineer | Tech | $120,000 – $170,000 |
| 18 | Software Engineering Manager | Tech | $130,000 – $190,000 |
| 19 | Data Engineering Lead | Tech | $120,000 – $170,000 |
| 20 | Pharmacist | Healthcare | $120,000 – $150,000 |
| 21 | Senior Project Manager (Tech) | Tech | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| 22 | Director of Operations | Corporate | $115,000 – $175,000 |
| 23 | Senior Marketing Director | Corporate | $120,000 – $190,000 |
| 24 | Optometrist | Healthcare | $120,000 – $160,000 |
| 25 | Dentist | Healthcare | $150,000 – $250,000 |
| 26 | Physician Assistant | Healthcare | $110,000 – $140,000 |
| 27 | Nurse Practitioner | Healthcare | $110,000 – $135,000 |
| 28 | Enterprise Sales Executive | Business | $120,000 – $200,000+ |
| 29 | AI/Machine Learning Engineer | Tech | $115,000 – $170,000 |
| 30 | Cloud Architect | Tech | $120,000 – $175,000 |
| 31 | Biomedical Engineer | Engineering | $95,000 – $150,000 |
| 32 | IT Director | Tech | $130,000 – $185,000 |
| 33 | Construction Project Executive | Construction | $130,000 – $180,000 |
| 34 | Structural Engineer (Senior) | Engineering | $105,000 – $150,000 |
| 35 | Financial Controller | Finance | $110,000 – $160,000 |
| 36 | Corporate Attorney | Legal | $140,000 – $250,000 |
| 37 | Patent Attorney | Legal | $150,000 – $280,000 |
| 38 | Cybersecurity Manager | Tech | $120,000 – $165,000 |
| 39 | Database Architect | Tech | $115,000 – $160,000 |
| 40 | Senior UX Designer | Tech | $105,000 – $150,000 |
| 41 | Embedded Systems Engineer | Engineering | $100,000 – $145,000 |
| 42 | Systems Engineer | Engineering | $95,000 – $140,000 |
| 43 | Supply Chain Director | Corporate | $120,000 – $175,000 |
| 44 | Research Scientist (Optics) | Research | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 45 | Optical Physicist | Research | $110,000 – $170,000 |
| 46 | Actuary | Finance | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| 47 | Investment Manager | Finance | $120,000 – $200,000 |
| 48 | Medical Director | Healthcare | $200,000 – $350,000 |
| 49 | Radiology Tech Supervisor | Healthcare | $95,000 – $135,000 |
| 50 | Clinical Laboratory Director | Healthcare | $120,000 – $165,000 |
| 51 | Biostatistician | Healthcare/Research | $110,000 – $160,000 |
| 52 | Senior Accountant (Corporate) | Finance | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| 53 | Product Manager (Tech) | Tech | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 54 | HR Director | Corporate | $115,000 – $160,000 |
| 55 | Power Electronics Engineer | Engineering | $105,000 – $155,000 |
| 56 | Chemical Engineer | Engineering | $95,000 – $145,000 |
| 57 | Robotics Engineer | Engineering | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 58 | Quality Engineering Manager | Engineering | $105,000 – $155,000 |
| 59 | Senior Manufacturing Engineer | Engineering | $95,000 – $145,000 |
| 60 | Financial Planner | Finance | $95,000 – $180,000 (commission) |
| 61 | Database Administrator | Tech | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| 62 | Information Security Analyst | Tech | $95,000 – $145,000 |
| 63 | Senior Network Engineer | Tech | $100,000 – $145,000 |
| 64 | Web Software Engineer | Tech | $95,000 – $140,000 |
| 65 | Industrial Engineer | Engineering | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| 66 | Optical Technician (Senior) | Tech/Manufacturing | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| 67 | Biochemist | Scientific | $95,000 – $150,000 |
| 68 | Clinical Psychologist | Healthcare | $100,000 – $145,000 |
| 69 | Occupational Therapist | Healthcare | $90,000 – $125,000 |
| 70 | Physical Therapist | Healthcare | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| 71 | Electrical Technician (Senior) | Manufacturing | $85,000 – $125,000 |
| 72 | Aerospace Technician | Manufacturing | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| 73 | Auditor (Senior) | Finance | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| 74 | Technical Program Manager | Tech | $110,000 – $160,000 |
| 75 | AI Researcher | Tech/Research | $120,000 – $180,000 |
| 76 | Optometry Tech Lead | Healthcare | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| 77 | MRI Technologist (Lead) | Healthcare | $95,000 – $135,000 |
| 78 | Speech Pathologist | Healthcare | $85,000 – $120,000 |
| 79 | Senior Paralegal | Legal | $75,000 – $105,000 |
| 80 | High-School Principal | Education | $110,000 – $150,000 |
| 81 | College Professor (STEM) | Education | $95,000 – $150,000 |
| 82 | Corporate Communications Director | Corporate | $110,000 – $165,000 |
| 83 | Logistics Manager | Corporate | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| 84 | Software QA Lead | Tech | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| 85 | Electrical Designer | Engineering | $85,000 – $130,000 |
| 86 | CAD Engineering Designer | Engineering | $80,000 – $125,000 |
| 87 | Senior Medical Technologist | Healthcare | $85,000 – $125,000 |
| 88 | Public Health Administrator | Government | $95,000 – $140,000 |
| 89 | Digital Marketing Manager | Corporate | $85,000 – $130,000 |
| 90 | Legal Compliance Manager | Legal | $100,000 – $150,000 |
| 91 | Real Estate Broker | Sales | $100,000 – $300,000+ |
| 92 | Supply Chain Analyst | Corporate | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| 93 | Senior Graphic Systems Designer | Tech | $90,000 – $135,000 |
| 94 | Cloud Systems Engineer | Tech | $95,000 – $145,000 |
| 95 | Emergency Management Director | Government | $95,000 – $145,000 |
| 96 | Lab Manager | Scientific | $90,000 – $130,000 |
| 97 | Mechanical Designer | Engineering | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| 98 | Senior Technical Writer | Tech | $85,000 – $125,000 |
| 99 | Senior Recruiter (Tech) | HR | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| 100 | Project Controls Manager | Construction | $95,000 – $145,000 |
Closing
Rochester’s economy continues to evolve, driven by major healthcare systems, precision optics research, and a rising tech and cybersecurity presence. Professionals with advanced skills — particularly in medical fields, engineering, and software — enjoy exceptional earning potential and strong job stability. With its lower cost of living and high quality of life, Rochester stands out as a competitive destination for well-paid talent. Whether you’re building a tech career or entering medicine, Rochester offers outstanding growth and opportunity.