Charlottesville vs Salem: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,129▲ | $90,812 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.04▲ | $43.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,497▲ | $52,671 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,764▲ | $65,868 |
| 75th Percentile | $222,519▲ | $116,239 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $438,323▲ | $140,759 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charlottesville, VA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Salem is $40,317 (44.40%). Charlottesville's median is +20.82% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $380,826,Salem spans $88,088. Charlottesville 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, Charlottesville ($132,258 effective) pays 50.30% more than Salem ($87,996 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,129/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($438,323)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,258)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Charlottesville grew 14.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -25.5% growth in Salem over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$110,910 (2019) → $126,940 (2025)
Salem, VA
$118,071 (2024) → $87,911 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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