Los Alamos vs Santa Fe: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Los Alamos, NM and Santa Fe, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Alamos, NM | Santa Fe, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,436 | $143,370▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.40 | $68.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,773 | $81,101▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,994 | $89,819▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $120,878 | $215,887▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $146,375 | $352,635▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Santa Fe, NM offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Los Alamos and Santa Fe is $48,934 (51.82%). Santa Fe's median is +32.09% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Alamos spans $91,602,Santa Fe spans $271,534. Santa Fe 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, Santa Fe ($145,160 effective) pays 45.10% more than Los Alamos ($100,038 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($143,370/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($352,635)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,160)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Los Alamos grew 23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -20.0% growth in Santa Fe over the same period.
Los Alamos, NM
$73,956 (2024) → $91,419 (2025)
Santa Fe, NM
$173,520 (2019) → $138,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Alamos, NM
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Los Alamos or Santa Fe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Alamos and Santa Fe?
Should I relocate from Los Alamos to Santa Fe as a financial advisor?
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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