Chicago vs Champaign: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,946▲ | $115,221 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.23▲ | $55.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,735 | $56,185▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,591 | $74,355▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $178,957▲ | $159,051 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $333,081▲ | $233,344 |
| Total Employed | 8,370▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Chicago and Champaign is $1,725 (1.50%). 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 Chicago spans $280,346,Champaign spans $177,159. Chicago 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, Champaign ($124,289 effective) pays 10.10% 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 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
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,289)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Chicago grew -1.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.1% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$114,460 (2019) → $113,210 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$76,370 (2019) → $111,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Chicago or Champaign?
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Should I relocate from Chicago to Champaign as a financial advisor?
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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