Modesto vs San Francisco: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Modesto, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Modesto, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,548 | $165,910▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.19 | $79.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,530 | $79,438▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,792 | $109,343▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $157,667 | $302,700▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $273,456 | $464,974▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 7,130▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Modesto.
The salary gap between Modesto and San Francisco is $57,362 (52.84%). San Francisco's median is +52.86% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Modesto spans $219,926,San Francisco spans $385,536. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($143,505 effective) pays 37.63% more than Modesto ($104,265 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Modesto if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($165,910/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($464,974)
- ✓Larger job market (7,130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $143,505)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Modesto grew 4.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.0% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Modesto, CA
$100,260 (2019) → $105,080 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$135,000 (2019) → $160,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Modesto, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Modesto or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Modesto and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Modesto to San Francisco as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Modesto vs San Francisco?
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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