Rochester vs Syracuse: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,488 | $130,602▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.23 | $62.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,209 | $69,924▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,944 | $78,498▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $180,093 | $233,334▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $295,758 | $462,929▲ |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Syracuse, NY offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Syracuse is $26,114 (24.99%). Syracuse's median is +20.33% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $232,549,Syracuse spans $393,005. Syracuse 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, Syracuse ($136,410 effective) pays 26.68% more than Rochester ($107,681 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,602/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($462,929)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,410)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Rochester grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 58.1% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$91,670 (2019) → $101,150 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$79,950 (2019) → $126,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Rochester or Syracuse?
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Should I relocate from Rochester to Syracuse as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Rochester vs Syracuse?
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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