Baltimore vs Gaithersburg: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Baltimore, MD and Gaithersburg, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baltimore, MD | Gaithersburg, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,236 | $119,498▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.15 | $57.46▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,698 | $69,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,172 | $86,039▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,368▲ | $152,958 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $426,412▲ | $185,223 |
| Total Employed | 3,240▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Baltimore and Gaithersburg are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Baltimore and Gaithersburg is $17,262 (16.88%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% 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,Gaithersburg spans $115,914. 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, Gaithersburg ($109,330 effective) pays 11.74% 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 Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,498/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,330)
- ✓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 Gaithersburg over the same period.
Baltimore, MD
$81,800 (2019) → $98,970 (2025)
Gaithersburg, MD
$137,623 (2024) → $115,681 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baltimore, MD
Gaithersburg, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Baltimore or Gaithersburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baltimore and Gaithersburg?
Should I relocate from Baltimore to Gaithersburg as a financial advisor?
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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