Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,406▲ | $119,415 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.89▲ | $57.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,067▲ | $60,637 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,369▲ | $79,086 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,686▲ | $169,309 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $405,205 | $411,072▲ |
| Total Employed | 7,390▲ | 2,030 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pittsburgh.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh is $991 (0.83%). 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 Philadelphia spans $341,138,Pittsburgh spans $350,435. Pittsburgh 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, Pittsburgh ($126,137 effective) pays 7.44% more than Philadelphia ($117,407 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($120,406/year)
- ✓Larger job market (7,390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($411,072)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $126,137)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Philadelphia grew 63.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.0% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$71,190 (2019) → $116,560 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$119,190 (2019) → $115,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Philadelphia or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Philadelphia vs Pittsburgh?
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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