Springfield vs Wheaton: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Springfield, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $159,464▲ | $114,091 |
| Hourly Rate | $76.67▲ | $54.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,292 | $66,173▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,113▲ | $82,145 |
| 75th Percentile | $240,431▲ | $146,036 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $414,873▲ | $176,840 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Springfield and Wheaton is $45,373 (39.77%). Springfield's median is +46.92% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $351,581,Wheaton spans $110,667. Springfield 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, Springfield ($171,938 effective) pays 46.33% more than Wheaton ($117,498 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($159,464/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($414,873)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $171,938)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Springfield grew 80.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$85,660 (2019) → $154,370 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$109,748 (2024) → $110,446 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Springfield or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Wheaton as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Springfield vs Wheaton?
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