Ann Arbor vs Grand Rapids: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,003▲ | $92,361 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.60▲ | $44.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,766▲ | $46,092 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,854▲ | $48,871 |
| 75th Percentile | $161,189▲ | $160,559 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $378,987▲ | $252,496 |
| Total Employed | 320 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Grand Rapids.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids is $6,642 (7.19%). Ann Arbor's median is -8.78% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $331,221,Grand Rapids spans $206,404. Ann Arbor 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, Ann Arbor ($98,139 effective) pays 1.52% more than Grand Rapids ($96,667 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,003/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($378,987)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,139)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Ann Arbor grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$81,910 (2019) → $95,840 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$70,370 (2019) → $89,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
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