Denver vs Boulder: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Denver, CO and Boulder, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Boulder, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,998▲ | $85,811 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.04▲ | $41.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,800▲ | $58,664 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,496▲ | $61,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,004▲ | $123,950 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $304,497▲ | $183,812 |
| Total Employed | 4,700▲ | 610 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.
The salary gap between Denver and Boulder is $16,187 (18.86%). Denver's median is -6.02% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $244,697,Boulder spans $125,148. Denver 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, Denver ($96,423 effective) pays 18.21% more than Boulder ($81,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,998/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($304,497)
- ✓Larger job market (4,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,423)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Denver grew 7.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -25.2% growth in Boulder over the same period.
Denver, CO
$91,560 (2019) → $98,740 (2025)
Boulder, CO
$111,130 (2019) → $83,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Boulder, CO
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