Hartford vs Shelton: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Hartford, CT and Shelton, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Shelton, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,696 | $130,287▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.72 | $62.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,771 | $75,567▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,880 | $93,807▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,445 | $166,768▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $170,838 | $201,945▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 10 |
Verdict
Shelton, CT offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Shelton is $45,591 (53.83%). Shelton's median is +20.04% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $110,067,Shelton spans $126,378. Shelton 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, Shelton ($120,748 effective) pays 46.48% more than Hartford ($82,432 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Shelton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,287/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,945)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,748)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Hartford grew -16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -20.2% growth in Shelton over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$98,340 (2019) → $81,990 (2025)
Shelton, CT
$158,105 (2024) → $126,125 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Shelton, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Hartford or Shelton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Shelton?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Shelton as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Hartford vs Shelton?
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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