St. Louis vs Independence: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,112▲ | $78,967 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.50▲ | $37.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,429▲ | $45,801 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,479▲ | $56,856 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,149▲ | $101,077 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $341,262▲ | $122,398 |
| Total Employed | 2,630▲ | 30 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Independence is $28,145 (35.64%). St. Louis's median is -1.31% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $286,833,Independence spans $76,597. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($112,645 effective) pays 27.81% more than Independence ($88,133 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,112/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($341,262)
- ✓Larger job market (2,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,645)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in St. Louis grew 59.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.1% growth in Independence over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$64,990 (2019) → $103,690 (2025)
Independence, MO
$84,126 (2024) → $76,444 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: St. Louis or Independence?
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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