Fort Lauderdale vs Tampa: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,932▲ | $85,305 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.50▲ | $41.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,200▲ | $53,003 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,111▲ | $62,259 |
| 75th Percentile | $163,753 | $171,602▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,295 | $373,522▲ |
| Total Employed | 29 | 3,660▲ |
Verdict
Fort Lauderdale and Tampa are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Lauderdale and Tampa is $42,627 (49.97%). Fort Lauderdale's median is +17.87% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Lauderdale spans $124,095,Tampa spans $320,519. Tampa 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, Fort Lauderdale ($126,917 effective) pays 50.10% more than Tampa ($84,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Lauderdale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,932/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,917)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($373,522)
- ✓Larger job market (3,660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Fort Lauderdale grew 14.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.7% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
$108,356 (2024) → $123,845 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$73,250 (2019) → $82,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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