Baltimore vs Ellicott City: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Baltimore, MD and Ellicott City, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Ellicott City, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,236 | $119,141▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.15 | $57.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,698 | $69,102▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,172 | $85,781▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,368▲ | $152,501 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $426,412▲ | $184,668 |
| Total Employed | 3,240▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Baltimore and Ellicott City are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Ellicott City is $16,905 (16.54%). Ellicott City's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baltimore spans $376,714,Ellicott City spans $115,566. Baltimore 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, Ellicott City ($109,004 effective) pays 11.40% more than Baltimore ($97,846 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baltimore if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($426,412)
- ✓Larger job market (3,240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Ellicott City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,141/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,004)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Baltimore grew 21.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -15.9% growth in Ellicott City over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$81,800 (2019) → $98,970 (2025)
Ellicott City, MD
$137,212 (2024) → $115,335 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Ellicott City, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Baltimore or Ellicott City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Ellicott City?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Ellicott City as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Baltimore vs Ellicott City?
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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