San Diego vs Upland: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between San Diego, CA and Upland, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Upland, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,631▲ | $111,467 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.73▲ | $53.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,905▲ | $64,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,703▲ | $80,256 |
| 75th Percentile | $195,950▲ | $142,678 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $418,923▲ | $172,773 |
| Total Employed | 3,010▲ | 18 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Upland.
The salary gap between San Diego and Upland is $23,164 (20.78%). San Diego's median is +24.04% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $348,018,Upland spans $108,123. San Diego 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, San Diego ($120,328 effective) pays 22.09% more than Upland ($98,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($134,631/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($418,923)
- ✓Larger job market (3,010 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,328)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Upland if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in San Diego grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -29.5% growth in Upland over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$115,720 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
Upland, CA
$153,126 (2024) → $107,906 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Upland, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: San Diego or Upland?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Upland?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Upland as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in San Diego vs Upland?
Related Comparisons
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