Ashland vs Lexington: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Ashland, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ashland, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,752 | $76,711▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.42 | $36.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,937 | $46,650▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,541▲ | $52,373 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,963 | $111,822▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,416 | $249,748▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ashland.
The salary gap between Ashland and Lexington is $959 (1.27%). Lexington's median is -29.32% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ashland spans $73,479,Lexington spans $203,098. Lexington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Ashland ($84,829 effective) pays 2.72% more than Lexington ($82,584 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ashland if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,829)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,711/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($249,748)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Ashland grew 5.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Ashland, KY
$69,661 (2024) → $73,332 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$64,550 (2019) → $74,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ashland, KY
Lexington, KY
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