Bowling Green vs Cleveland: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bowling Green, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,080▲ | $83,807 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.91▲ | $40.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,346▲ | $49,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,258 | $62,724▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,902 | $164,495▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,874 | $231,144▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,640▲ |
Verdict
Bowling Green and Cleveland are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Cleveland is $1,273 (1.52%). Bowling Green's median is -21.61% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $82,528,Cleveland spans $181,891. Cleveland 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, Bowling Green ($93,804 effective) pays 5.13% more than Cleveland ($89,229 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,080/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,804)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,144)
- ✓Larger job market (1,640 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bowling Green grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Bowling Green, OH
$85,616 (2024) → $82,362 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$61,480 (2019) → $81,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Bowling Green or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Cleveland as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Bowling Green vs Cleveland?
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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