Akron vs Cleveland: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Akron, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,736▲ | $83,807 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.95▲ | $40.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,625▲ | $49,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,825▲ | $62,724 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,672▲ | $164,495 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $256,979▲ | $231,144 |
| Total Employed | 390 | 1,640▲ |
Verdict
Akron, OH offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Akron and Cleveland is $15,929 (19.01%). Akron's median is -8.11% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $202,354,Cleveland spans $181,891. Akron 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, Akron ($106,818 effective) pays 19.71% more than Cleveland ($89,229 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,736/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($256,979)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,818)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Akron grew 2.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Akron, OH
$94,170 (2019) → $96,550 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$61,480 (2019) → $81,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov