Bellevue vs Bellingham: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bellevue, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,479▲ | $106,823 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.45▲ | $51.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,298▲ | $62,021 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,025▲ | $74,758 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,933 | $172,170▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,192 | $284,653▲ |
| Total Employed | 26 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Bellevue and Bellingham are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Bellingham is $12,656 (11.85%). Bellevue's median is +10.08% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $115,894,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, Bellevue ($111,247 effective) pays 7.61% more than Bellingham ($103,376 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,479/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,247)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($284,653)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bellevue grew -10.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Bellevue, WA
$129,254 (2024) → $115,662 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$82,830 (2019) → $103,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Bellevue or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Bellingham as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Bellevue vs Bellingham?
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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