Auburn vs Bellingham: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Auburn, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,756 | $106,823▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.40 | $51.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,598 | $62,021▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,984 | $74,758▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $131,527 | $172,170▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $159,271 | $284,653▲ |
| Total Employed | 23 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Bellingham is $4,067 (3.96%). Bellingham's median is -1.58% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $99,673,Bellingham spans $222,632. Bellingham 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, Bellingham ($103,376 effective) pays 8.05% more than Auburn ($95,676 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,823/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($284,653)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,376)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Auburn grew -20.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Auburn, WA
$125,269 (2024) → $99,473 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$82,830 (2019) → $103,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Auburn or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Bellingham as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Auburn vs Bellingham?
Related Comparisons
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