Phoenix vs Mesa: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Mesa, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,101▲ | $106,583 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.50▲ | $51.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,875 | $61,818▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,814 | $76,740▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $170,848▲ | $136,426 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $223,417▲ | $165,204 |
| Total Employed | 5,000▲ | 98 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mesa.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Mesa is $518 (0.49%). Phoenix's median is -1.32% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $172,542,Mesa spans $103,386. Phoenix 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, Mesa ($108,206 effective) pays 4.38% more than Phoenix ($103,664 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,101/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($223,417)
- ✓Larger job market (5,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,206)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Phoenix grew 40.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.5% growth in Mesa over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$73,660 (2019) → $103,680 (2025)
Mesa, AZ
$103,748 (2024) → $103,178 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
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