Dover vs Smyrna: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Dover, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,058▲ | $102,261 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.99▲ | $49.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,916▲ | $59,312 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,657▲ | $73,628 |
| 75th Percentile | $171,344▲ | $130,893 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $287,319▲ | $158,505 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Dover and Smyrna is $3,797 (3.71%). Dover's median is -2.28% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $226,403,Smyrna spans $99,193. Dover 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, Dover ($108,770 effective) pays 8.17% more than Smyrna ($100,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,058/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($287,319)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,770)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Dover grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.2% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Dover, DE
$112,878 (2024) → $102,670 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$105,524 (2024) → $98,994 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
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