Rochester vs Troy: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Rochester, NY and Troy, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Troy, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,488 | $131,271▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.23 | $63.11▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,209 | $76,137▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,944 | $94,514▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $180,093▲ | $168,027 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $295,758▲ | $203,469 |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Rochester and Troy are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rochester and Troy is $26,783 (25.63%). Troy's median is +20.95% 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,Troy spans $127,332. Rochester 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, Troy ($113,262 effective) pays 5.18% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($295,758)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,271/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $113,262)
- ✓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 -35.4% growth in Troy over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$91,670 (2019) → $101,150 (2025)
Troy, NY
$196,582 (2024) → $127,077 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Rochester or Troy?
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What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Rochester vs Troy?
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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