Bellingham vs Des Moines: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bellingham, WA and Des Moines, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Des Moines, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,823▲ | $102,995 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.36▲ | $49.52 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,021▲ | $59,737 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,758▲ | $74,157 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,170▲ | $131,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $284,653▲ | $159,643 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Bellingham, WA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Moines.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Des Moines is $3,828 (3.72%). 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 Bellingham spans $222,632,Des Moines spans $99,906. Bellingham 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, Bellingham ($103,376 effective) pays 7.80% more than Des Moines ($95,899 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bellingham grew 24.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -20.6% growth in Des Moines over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$82,830 (2019) → $103,410 (2025)
Des Moines, WA
$125,561 (2024) → $99,705 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Des Moines, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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