Gaithersburg vs Salisbury: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Gaithersburg, MD and Salisbury, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gaithersburg, MD | Salisbury, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,498▲ | $92,030 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.46▲ | $44.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,309▲ | $46,516 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,039▲ | $61,112 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,958▲ | $148,318 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $185,223 | $224,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Gaithersburg and Salisbury are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gaithersburg and Salisbury is $27,468 (29.85%). Gaithersburg's median is +10.10% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gaithersburg spans $115,914,Salisbury spans $177,965. Salisbury 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, Gaithersburg ($109,330 effective) pays 13.59% more than Salisbury ($96,249 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gaithersburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($119,498/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,330)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Salisbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($224,481)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Gaithersburg grew -15.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.6% growth in Salisbury over the same period.
Gaithersburg, MD
$137,623 (2024) → $115,681 (2025)
Salisbury, MD
$77,070 (2019) → $89,090 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gaithersburg, MD
Salisbury, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Comparisons
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