Bristol vs Providence: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bristol, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,261▲ | $86,483 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.65▲ | $41.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,891▲ | $51,619 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,348▲ | $66,567 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,173 | $150,054▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,054 | $180,847▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,200▲ |
Verdict
Bristol and Providence are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bristol and Providence is $16,778 (19.40%). Bristol's median is -4.86% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $100,163,Providence spans $129,228. Providence 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, Bristol ($102,747 effective) pays 20.91% more than Providence ($84,976 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,261/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,747)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($180,847)
- ✓Larger job market (1,200 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bristol grew -2.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.6% growth in Providence over the same period.
Bristol, RI
$102,750 (2024) → $99,962 (2025)
Providence, RI
$88,650 (2019) → $83,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Bristol or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Providence?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Providence as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Bristol vs Providence?
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