Philadelphia vs State College: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $120,406▲ | $101,658 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.89▲ | $48.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,067▲ | $44,336 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,369▲ | $69,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $182,686▲ | $152,130 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $405,205▲ | $328,835 |
| Total Employed | 7,390▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $18,748 (18.44%). 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,State College spans $284,499. Philadelphia 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 11.75% more than State College ($105,060 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)
- ✓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
Choose State College if…
- ✓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 46.0% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$71,190 (2019) → $116,560 (2025)
State College, PA
$67,420 (2019) → $98,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
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