Aurora vs Boulder: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Aurora, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aurora, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,759▲ | $85,811 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.96▲ | $41.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,860 | $58,664▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,827▲ | $61,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,691▲ | $123,950 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $154,627 | $183,812▲ |
| Total Employed | 54 | 610▲ |
Verdict
Aurora and Boulder are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Aurora and Boulder is $13,948 (16.25%). Aurora's median is -8.09% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aurora spans $96,767,Boulder spans $125,148. Boulder 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, Aurora ($95,009 effective) pays 16.48% more than Boulder ($81,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aurora if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,759/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,009)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($183,812)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Aurora grew -17.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -25.2% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Aurora, CO
$116,455 (2024) → $96,572 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$111,130 (2019) → $83,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Aurora, CO
Boulder, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Aurora or Boulder?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aurora and Boulder?
Should I relocate from Aurora to Boulder as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Aurora vs Boulder?
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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