Houston vs Dallas: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Houston, TX and Dallas, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Dallas, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,195▲ | $92,139 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.13▲ | $44.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,741 | $53,441▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,655▲ | $66,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,646▲ | $117,939 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $334,682▲ | $142,816 |
| Total Employed | 4,130▲ | 243 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dallas.
The salary gap between Houston and Dallas is $10,056 (10.91%). Houston's median is -5.84% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $283,941,Dallas spans $89,375. Houston 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, Houston ($103,616 effective) pays 7.96% more than Dallas ($95,978 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,195/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($334,682)
- ✓Larger job market (4,130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,616)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Houston grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.3% growth in Dallas over the same period.
Houston, TX
$78,960 (2019) → $98,930 (2025)
Dallas, TX
$81,600 (2019) → $89,196 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Dallas, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Houston vs Dallas?
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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