Charlotte vs Fayetteville: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Fayetteville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,722 | $106,513▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.39 | $51.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,402▲ | $45,442 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,206▲ | $65,234 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,757 | $159,991▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $229,595 | $260,771▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,850▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, NC offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlotte.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Fayetteville is $3,791 (3.69%). Fayetteville's median is -1.86% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $178,193,Fayetteville spans $215,329. Fayetteville 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, Fayetteville ($115,803 effective) pays 9.74% more than Charlotte ($105,520 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,513/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($260,771)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,803)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Charlotte grew -14.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.9% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$116,760 (2019) → $99,440 (2025)
Fayetteville, NC
$107,330 (2019) → $103,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Fayetteville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Charlotte or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Fayetteville as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Charlotte vs Fayetteville?
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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