Bethlehem vs Philadelphia: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bethlehem, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bethlehem, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,540▲ | $120,406 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.28▲ | $57.89 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,133▲ | $64,067 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,269▲ | $81,369 |
| 75th Percentile | $165,812 | $182,686▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,787 | $405,205▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 7,390▲ |
Verdict
Bethlehem and Philadelphia are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bethlehem and Philadelphia is $9,134 (7.59%). Bethlehem's median is +19.35% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bethlehem spans $125,654,Philadelphia spans $341,138. Philadelphia 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, Bethlehem ($132,998 effective) pays 13.28% more than Philadelphia ($117,407 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bethlehem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,540/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,998)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($405,205)
- ✓Larger job market (7,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bethlehem grew 13.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 63.7% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Bethlehem, PA
$110,628 (2024) → $125,402 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$71,190 (2019) → $116,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bethlehem, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Bethlehem or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bethlehem and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Bethlehem to Philadelphia 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