Smyrna vs Wilmington: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Smyrna, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Smyrna, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,261 | $122,463▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.16 | $58.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,312 | $71,029▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,628 | $88,174▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $130,893 | $156,753▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,505 | $189,818▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Smyrna and Wilmington is $20,202 (19.76%). Wilmington's median is +12.83% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Smyrna spans $99,193,Wilmington spans $118,789. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($120,416 effective) pays 19.76% more than Smyrna ($100,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,463/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($189,818)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,416)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Smyrna grew -6.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.4% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Smyrna, DE
$105,524 (2024) → $98,994 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$114,691 (2024) → $118,551 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Smyrna or Wilmington?
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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