Lancaster vs Philadelphia: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,104 | $120,406▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.57 | $57.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,148 | $64,067▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,554 | $81,369▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $167,997 | $182,686▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $403,758 | $405,205▲ |
| Total Employed | 360 | 7,390▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lancaster.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Philadelphia is $17,302 (16.78%). Philadelphia's median is +10.94% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $345,610,Philadelphia spans $341,138. Lancaster 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, Philadelphia ($117,407 effective) pays 11.89% more than Lancaster ($104,933 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,406/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($405,205)
- ✓Larger job market (7,390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,407)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Lancaster grew 5.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 63.7% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$94,360 (2019) → $99,810 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$71,190 (2019) → $116,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Lancaster or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Philadelphia as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Lancaster vs Philadelphia?
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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