Fort Collins vs Golden: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Golden, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Golden, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,602 | $86,431▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.98 | $41.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,857 | $50,130▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,109 | $62,230▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,081▲ | $110,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $318,102▲ | $133,969 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fort Collins and Golden are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Golden is $17,829 (25.99%). Golden's median is -20.37% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $271,245,Golden spans $83,839. Fort Collins 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, Golden ($82,315 effective) pays 21.34% more than Fort Collins ($67,837 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($318,102)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Golden if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,431/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,315)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Fort Collins grew -15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.8% growth in Golden over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$78,600 (2019) → $66,410 (2025)
Golden, CO
$104,375 (2024) → $83,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Golden, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Fort Collins or Golden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Golden?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Golden as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Fort Collins vs Golden?
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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