Apex vs Charlotte: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Apex, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,079▲ | $102,722 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.51▲ | $49.39 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,946▲ | $51,402 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,657 | $77,206▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $134,501 | $140,757▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $162,872 | $229,595▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 4,850▲ |
Verdict
Apex and Charlotte are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Apex and Charlotte is $2,357 (2.29%). Apex's median is -3.19% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $101,926,Charlotte spans $178,193. Charlotte 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, Apex ($112,264 effective) pays 6.39% more than Charlotte ($105,520 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,079/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,264)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($229,595)
- ✓Larger job market (4,850 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Apex grew 2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -14.8% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Apex, NC
$98,943 (2024) → $101,722 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$116,760 (2019) → $99,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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