Boston vs Salem: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Boston, MA and Salem, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Salem, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,705▲ | $125,937 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.84▲ | $60.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,472 | $73,043▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,576 | $90,675▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $181,870▲ | $161,200 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $502,751▲ | $195,203 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 8 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Boston and Salem is $4,768 (3.79%). Boston's median is +20.42% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $442,279,Salem spans $122,160. Boston 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, Boston ($120,726 effective) pays 4.01% more than Salem ($116,071 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,705/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($502,751)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,726)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Larger job market (8 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Boston grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -23.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Boston, MA
$109,290 (2019) → $126,530 (2025)
Salem, MA
$158,904 (2024) → $121,914 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Boston or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Salem?
Should I relocate from Boston to Salem as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Boston vs Salem?
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