Cleveland vs Columbus: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Cleveland, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,807 | $84,293▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.30 | $40.52▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,253 | $49,439▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,724 | $66,701▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,495▲ | $144,651 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $231,144▲ | $222,353 |
| Total Employed | 1,640 | 1,900▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Columbus is $486 (0.58%). Columbus's median is -22.34% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $181,891,Columbus spans $172,914. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($89,229 effective) pays 1.06% more than Columbus ($88,294 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($231,144)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,229)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,293/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Cleveland grew 32.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.4% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$61,480 (2019) → $81,130 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$78,880 (2019) → $81,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Cleveland or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Columbus as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Cleveland vs Columbus?
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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