Manchester vs Waterbury: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Manchester, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,732▲ | $127,648 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.89▲ | $61.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,665▲ | $59,129 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,687▲ | $82,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $164,778 | $166,819▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,535 | $228,345▲ |
| Total Employed | 11 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Manchester and Waterbury are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Manchester and Waterbury is $1,084 (0.85%). Manchester's median is +18.61% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $124,870,Waterbury spans $169,216. Waterbury 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, Waterbury ($127,932 effective) pays 7.23% more than Manchester ($119,307 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($128,732/year)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($228,345)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,932)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Manchester grew -22.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 67.9% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Manchester, CT
$161,048 (2024) → $124,620 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$73,600 (2021) → $123,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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