Atlanta vs Athens: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Atlanta, GA and Athens, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Athens, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $107,422▲ | $101,306 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.65▲ | $48.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,704 | $47,735▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,688 | $72,300▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $209,596 | $217,736▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $363,885 | $469,168▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,690▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Atlanta and Athens is $6,116 (6.04%). Atlanta's median is -1.03% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $316,181,Athens spans $421,433. Athens 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, Athens ($108,531 effective) pays 1.09% more than Atlanta ($107,360 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,422/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($469,168)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,531)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Atlanta grew 22.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 53.3% growth in Athens over the same period.
Atlanta, GA
$84,580 (2019) → $103,990 (2025)
Athens, GA
$63,960 (2019) → $98,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlanta, GA
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Atlanta or Athens?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Athens?
Should I relocate from Atlanta to Athens as a financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Atlanta vs Athens?
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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