Chico vs San Diego: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Chico, CA and San Diego, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,524 | $134,631▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.01 | $64.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,961 | $70,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,961 | $98,703▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $143,887 | $195,950▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $207,024 | $418,923▲ |
| Total Employed | 60 | 3,010▲ |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chico.
The salary gap between Chico and San Diego is $43,107 (47.10%). San Diego's median is +24.04% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $144,063,San Diego spans $348,018. San Diego 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, San Diego ($120,328 effective) pays 33.04% more than Chico ($90,441 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,631/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($418,923)
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,328)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Chico grew 50.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in San Diego over the same period.
Chico, CA
$58,910 (2021) → $88,600 (2025)
San Diego, CA
$115,720 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Chico or San Diego?
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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