Lakewood vs Newark: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Lakewood, NJ and Newark, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, NJ | Newark, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $124,058 | $175,922▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $59.65 | $84.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,954 | $102,035▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $89,321 | $126,663▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $158,795 | $225,181▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $192,290 | $272,679▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 61▲ |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Newark is $51,864 (41.81%). Newark's median is +62.08% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $120,336,Newark spans $170,644. Newark 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, Newark ($152,710 effective) pays 41.81% more than Lakewood ($107,689 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($175,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($272,679)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $152,710)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Lakewood grew -29.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -5.0% growth in Newark over the same period.
Lakewood, NJ
$169,163 (2024) → $120,095 (2025)
Newark, NJ
$179,286 (2024) → $170,302 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, NJ
Newark, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Lakewood or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Newark?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Newark as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Lakewood vs Newark?
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