Buffalo Grove vs Chicago: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Buffalo Grove, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo Grove, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,966 | $116,946▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.79 | $56.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,100▲ | $52,735 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,055▲ | $73,591 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,876 | $178,957▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,647 | $333,081▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 8,370▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo Grove.
The salary gap between Buffalo Grove and Chicago is $2,980 (2.61%). Chicago's median is +7.75% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo Grove spans $110,547,Chicago spans $280,346. Chicago 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, Buffalo Grove ($117,370 effective) pays 3.97% more than Chicago ($112,888 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo Grove if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,370)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,946/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($333,081)
- ✓Larger job market (8,370 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Buffalo Grove grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.1% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Buffalo Grove, IL
$109,628 (2024) → $110,325 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$114,460 (2019) → $113,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo Grove, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Buffalo Grove or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo Grove and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Buffalo Grove to Chicago as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Buffalo Grove vs Chicago?
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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